Statement. Campaign to Save Tara,
20th. June 2007.

Tara Campaign Calls on Minister Gormley
- to review Designations

The Campaign to Save Tara today calls on the Minister for Environment to review all documentation relating to archaeological excavations and surveys along the proposed route of the M3 motorway through the Tara/Skryne Valley. A number of very important sites uncovered during excavations were considered for National Monument status. The Campaign is calling for a review of the methodology and decision-making procedures in regard to these sites. In addition the Campaign is now calling for a full independent assessment of the Valley route, in light of the fact that the Lismullin National Monument was not identified during initial surveying.

According to Campaign spokesperson Michael Canney, "In light of the fact that no independent archaeological analysis has taken place up to now, of either the Lismullin monument, or any of the other suspected Monuments so far uncovered, we are now calling on the Minister to make available to independent scrutiny all communications between the NRA archaeologists, the National Museum and his predecessor in the Department of the Environment".

The Campaign is also concerned at the revelation that the new Attorney General, Paul Gallagher, acted as Senior Council for Meath County Council in the 2006 M3 High Court case. Mr. Gallagher is quoted in newspapers at the time as saying the proposed route of the M3 did not interfere with any National Monuments. This has patently turned out not to be the case and in fact, as well as passing directly through one designated National Monument, the Campaign alleges that full disclosure will show a number of non-designated monuments are within the road-take.

According to Muireann Ní Bhrolcháin of the Campaign, "At the very least, the revelation that the Attorney General has acted for Meath County Council so recently and in so closely-related a case, means that the Minister should be canvassing independent legal advise. Our concern would be that should only the Attorney General's advice be sought, legitimate and imaginative options open to the Minister with regard to the Tara/M3 issue may not be adequately outlined".

The ongoing protests at the site works along the route, which have already caused widespread delay and disruption, are expected to escalate with the arrival of hundreds of people at the historic Hill of Tara to celebrate the Solstice this weekend.

ENDS

Media queries:
Dr. Muireann Ní Bhrolcháin
Tel: 087-9249510
Michael Canney
Tel: 086-8528200
E-Mail: info@savetara.com
Web site: http://www.savetara.com