Statement. Meath Archaeological and Historical Society,
14th. May 2007.

The M3 Motorway & the Tara Archaeological
- & Historical complex

Call for re-routing of M3 and establishment of independent Committee of Experts.

The decision to route a section of the M3 motorway through the Tara archaeological and historical complex was fundamentally flawed from the outset and this mistake has been compounded at every subsequent stage of the process, where expert evidence, public concerns and numerous opportunities to resolve the issue have been consistently ignored.

The recent discoveries in the Tara-Skryne valley have confirmed what the archaeological and historical experts predicted from the beginning and they have also strengthened the case for rerouting the M3 away from the Tara area. As we have stated time and time again, these monuments should not be looked at in isolation but as an integral part of a rich cultural landscape.

The discoveries have also again brought to light the enormity of the mistakes made in routing the motorway in this section and the absence of real protection for our national heritage where State infrastructural development is concerned.

We now have both the opportunity and the duty to seriously re-examine the issue and come up with sensible solutions that will protect our unique heritage while also addressing the transport needs of the people of Meath in the light of changed conditions.

In addressing the heritage issue, we cannot rely on the existing decision-making and consultative procedures as set up in the flawed National Monuments Act of 2004. A new approach is required, one that will draw on the wisdom and experience of the historical and archaeological professions at home and abroad.

We endorse the call made by our patron, Professor George Eogan for a "non-state body to be established to review and consider the archaeological and historical issues emanating from the work already carried out". Such a body should be broadly-based and include personnel from Government departments but also individuals and representatives of non-governmental agencies and "distinguished and experienced scholars from outside the country".

In the meantime, we call for all works to be stopped in the Ross Cross to Garlow Cross section of the route, including the proposed Blundelstown interchange.

County Meath is the acknowledged "heritage capital of Ireland". Let us live up to that name.

We call on the people of Meath to support our call for this unique heritage to be preserved and protected for future generations to research and enjoy, and we remind Meath County Council of its own heritage responsibilities as outlined in numerous objectives and policies in the new County Development Plan including i.e. to "To protect the historic and archaeological landscapes of the County", "To protect important archaeological landscapes (heritage policy 57)" and "To employ the full extent of the statutory provisions of the Planning and Development Act to assist in the protection of landscapes of exceptional value and sensitivity, in particular Bru na Boinne and the Tara-Skryne area".

Further Information from: Julitta Clancy, 01-8259438.