Greens launch court challenge to motorway plan

However conservation groups, including Green TD Ciaran Cuffe claimed one of Ireland’s most important heritage sites will be destroyed and launched immediate court challenges.

Speaking at a press conference in Dublin, Mr Roche said he was recommending “stringent” conditions to protect the landscape around Tara and that a new development plan would protect the rural character and archaeological heritage of the general area.

However he gave no clear time frame for the archaeological digs to be completed or when road construction work will begin.

“These works will be subject to stringent directions which I have issued which will ensure that best archaeological practice is achieved.

“The purpose of these directions is to ensure that proper standards and practice apply to the undertaking of excavations and other archaeological works."

Professional archaeologists will have to submit regular progress reports and be open to regular inspection by state experts.

All artefacts uncovered must be deposited in the National Museum and a report on the excavations will be published.

Mr Roche said the National Roads Authority was putting in an alternative lighting system and extensive landscaping at the controversial Blundelstown interchange one kilometre north of the Hill of Tara.

Huge lighting columns which would be switched on at day and night had been previously proposed.

Mr Roche said the Director of the National Museum, Dr Pat Wallace, who had been opposed to parts of the development, offered detailed comments which were reflected closely in the directions.

Green TD Mr Cuffe had earlier threatened legal action on the minister’s plans but Mr Roche welcomed the move as he said Mr Cuffe was a “man of means“.

Mr Cuffe described the minister’s decision as “an enormous mistake” and added: “We all want to see progress, but not at the cost of our heritage.”

He called for an alternative motorway route as the current plans would significantly damage the Tara archaeological complex.

“Today’s decision doesn’t make much practical sense either as it is likely to bring about a court challenge which could delay completion of the road even longer than changing the planned route away from Tara.”

Fine Gael’s environment spokesman Fergus O’Dowd welcomed the decision but said the Government had dithered for two years while commuters spent up to five hours a day going to and from work.

“Finally we have clarity on this issue, and this motorway will allow thousands to spend more time with their families and less time stuck in gridlock.”

He also called for areas around the motorway to be off limits to any unnecessary development which would spoil the landscape.

Opposing the minister’s plans, UCD archaeologist Edel Breathnach, who studied the area since 1991, said it was a dark day for Tara and Irish culture.

“Ireland’s premier landscape is about to suffer an act of vandalism that will see a four-lane motorway, a large intersection and undoubted secondary developments obliterate its landscape.

Representing a group of two other archaeologists, Ms Breathnach added: “This is a shameful decision which will have repercussions far and wide.

“The truth is that the decision taken by the Government reveals the mockery of our official portrayal to the world that we pride our culture and heritage dearly.”

The minister added: “The directions which I have given represent a measured approach. They are both comprehensive and onerous.

“They protect heritage. But they do not deny the people of Meath and the surrounding counties the modern transport infrastructure that they need.”