Press Release: Environment     1 March 2006

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Dún Laoghaire, Environment and Justice Press Releases

Green Party Disappointed in Outcome of Tara Motorway Court Challenge

The Green Party has expressed disappointment in the outcome of the court challenge by Vincent Salafia to the proposed M3 motorway, which is to pass close to the Hill of Tara.

Green Party Heritage spokesperson Ciarán Cuffe TD stated:

"The odds were firmly stacked against success in the Courts. Legislation is required for the public interest to be better represented in the discussion of major infrastructural projects.

"Currently the law allows the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to act as judge, jury and executioner when it come to protecting our nation's heritage.

"In this case Minister Roche effectively gave the National Roads Authority permission to build a motorway thought the unique archaeological landscape of the Tara demesne. The Green Party believes that the law must be changed to ensure that future Ministers have an obligation to protect and preserve our heritage,”