Advert creates its own
myths
The full-page advert from the National Roads Authority
(NRA) in the News section, last week, about the so-called
myths of the M3 at Tara is in danger of creating a few of
its own. On my route, the N7, houses were specifically
targeted rather than avoided. When the route corridor was
announced a figure of "only" 11 houses was trumpeted, but
17 were subjected to compulsory purchase, a 50% increase.
The route was also sited very close to housing estates
when it could have avoided them.
The advert also perpetuates the fallacy that An Bord
Pleanála is an independent body. It has been
charged with facilitating the National Development Plan
and has, on occasion, overriden its own inspectors'
recommendation to turn down a proposal.
Brian Hodkinson,
Birdhill,
Co Tipperary.
© The Sunday Times, 19th. December, 2004.
