2 March 2005

Environment

Excavations At Tara

Ciarán Cuffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the archaeological issue he is currently determining with regard to the proposed M3 motorway; if he is examining archaeological sites along the entire route of the proposed road; if he is only examining the vicinity of the Tara/Skryne Valley; when he intends to issue the determination; the timescale envisaged for the excavations; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister For Environment, Heritage and Local Government: I am at present examining two applications for directions under section 14A(2) of the National Monuments Act 1930 (as amended) in relation to archaeological works to be carried out in respect of sections of the proposed M3 motorway which was approved by An Bord Plenala in August 2003. Such directions allow for proper standards to be specified for the carrying out of archaeological works associated with approved road developments. One of the applications received covers the Clonee to Dunshaughlin section of the route and the other application is for the Dunshaughlin to Navan section. It is the latter that passes through the Tara/Skryne valley.

I am at present consulting with the Director of the National Museum in relation to these applications and would hope to be in a position to determine them later this month. Applications for directions in relation to archaeological works relating to sites on the remaining sections of the approved road have not yet been submitted to my Department.

The timescale for the carrying out of any permitted archaeological works would be an operational issue for the NRA and Meath County Council.