7rd September  2004

PRESS RELEASE

Carrickmines High Court ruling a threat to heritage – says the Green Party

Heritage Spokesperson Ciarán Cuffe TD, expresses concern about consolidation of powers

The Green Party has called on the Minister for the Environment Martin Cullen TD to ensure that he uses his powers to minimise the damage that will be caused to Carrickmines Castle by the construction of the M50 motorway.

Green Party Heritage spokesperson Ciarán Cuffe TD said today that, “We always supported the completion of the M50 motorway; however the planning of the junction at Carrickmines was flawed from the start. From mysterious land deals to inexplicable design changes this has been a fiasco from the outset.”

“The National Monuments (Amendment) Act 2004 was rushed through the Dáil shortly before the summer recess. It is a flawed Act. It contains a dangerous consolidation of power into the hands of the Minister for the Environment and has allowed him to act as judge, jury and executioner of our heritage. We hope that this legislation will not be used by Minister Cullen to build other projects at the expense of our heritage.”

“Finally, given that this was a public interest case we hope that the plaintiff will not be pursued for costs,” concluded Deputy Cuffe.

ENDS