Save Tara protesters launch
- "last resort" legal challenge
By - Daily Mail reporter.
Environmentalists mounted a fresh legal challenge
yesterday to force the State to halt work on the
controversial M3 motorway by the ancient Hill of
Tara.
Summonses were served on the Government, the National
Roads Authority and tolling contractor Eurolink by the
Campaign to Save Tara group, who are supported in their
bid by poet Seamus Heaney, MEP Kathy Sinnott and Sinn
Féin.
It comes a week after An Bord Pleanála ruled the
M3 could be built over 2000-year-old newly discovered
ruins at Lismullin, about 2km from the Tara Hill.
Campaign to Save Tara's Michael Canney said the court
challenge was taken as a last resort.
"It has never been my ambition to put my name forward in
a legal challenge against such a seemingly impregnable
array of political and economic forces. I have done so
only as a last resort and only because it is absolutely
essential that the silent majority who oppose this road
are given a final chance to voice their concerns before
the courts", he said.
Protesters want a High Court ruling halting construction
on the project pending the outcome of a case before the
European Court of Justice over the Lismullin national
monument.
Mr Canney also maintains Environment Minister John
Gormley has failed in his duty to protect Irish national
heritage.
MEPs Kathy Sinnott and Sinn Féin's Mary Lou
McDonald both pledged their support for the legal
challenge yesterday.
"I believe what is playing out at Tara is a metaphor for
modern Ireland and of the choices we have to make", Miss
McDonald said.
"The Irish people should not be asked to choose between
their ancient heritage, or a modern developed
infrastructure and community".
© Daily Irish Mail, 30th. August 2007.
Related Articles:
Save Tara launches new court challenge.
Fresh legal bid to save Hill of Tara.
M3 alternative unveiled as new court bid begins.
Fresh
Legal challenge to M3 announced - CtST Statement.
Save
Tara/M3 Legal Case - Statement - Michael Canney.
