Roads body embraces M3
report
By - Tim O'Brien.
An EU parliament report on the M3 motorway has been
welcomed as "a vindication of our position" by the
National Roads Authority (NRA).
Last week the report by the parliament's petitions
committee was welcomed by opponents of the route of the
M3, many of whom said it vindicated their opposition to
the road.
The petitions committee visited Ireland after complaints
on environmental issues including the M3 and the proposed
Poolbeg incinerator, among other issues.
The NRA maintains that the report was a vindication of
its position as well as that of Meath County Council.
Spokesman Sean O'Neill quoted from the report section
dealing with the M3 to the effect that: "It is however
apparent and quite clear that the authorities fulfilled
their obligations under EIA Directives in as much as they
clearly identified alternative options for the road".
While the report found significant new discoveries,
notably at Lismullin, were a problem for the authorities,
Mr. O'Neill pointed out the report found: "everything
indicates that the planners acted diligently in assessing
the practical options given the knowledge available at
the time. Both geophysical and magnetometer surveys were
conducted which, it turned out, led to the discovery of
the Lismullin site". Mr. O'Neill said it was the NRA
itself which first recommended Lismullin be designated a
national monument.
Mr. O'Neill added: "Yet again it has been confirmed by
the EU that the NRA and Meath County Council have behaved
entirely properly throughout this process".
The committee was assisted in its visit by Irish MEP
Kathy Sinnott, who last week quoted the report as saying
"Ireland's natural environment is not respected" and
described the findings as "music to my ears".
© The Irish Times, 8th. October 2007.
Related Articles:
Full Report of EU Petitions
Committee.
