Press Release. Kathy Sinnott MEP,
11th. July 2007.

Commission Sends Warning on Tara:
- All Work at Tara Must Stop!

In a speech to the European Parliament in Strasbourg today, Kathy Sinnott, Independent MEP for Ireland South, stated that the European Commission has sent a warning to the National Roads Authority in Ireland concerning the planned demolition of the Lismullin National Monument near the Hill of Tara.

The site, which was just discovered in 2007, is due to be demolished as part of the continued roadwork for the new M3. However, on 29th. June, 2007, the Commission sent a Reasoned Opinion (final warning) to the NRA expressing doubts about the Irish National Monuments Act. This Opinion follows-up a warning sent to Ireland over concerns that the effects of demolition works are excluded from the scope of their implementation of the Environment Impact Assessments Directive, the results of which are largely determining the direction of the M3.

The Commission does not expect to hear back from Irish officials for at least two months. "Because of this, I am calling for an immediate moratorium on M3 construction. We cannot allow for the continued destruction of our historic and cultural landmarks when multiple viable alternatives exist for transport through this area", said Mrs. Sinnott.

"I believe this moratorium is necessary primarily to sort out the status of the various archaeological projects in the area", added Kathy, who as Vice Chairwoman of the European Parliament Petitions Committee recently brought a delegation of the Committee to Ireland so they could witness first hand the destruction of the Hill.

There is now an added urgency for the moratorium with the destruction of a significant historical location near Baronstown at 4 am on 4th. July. This site was considered by many to be as worthy of National Monument status as Lismullin, but the process of moving the Baronstown site towards this status was delayed, and ultimately rendered moot by its destruction.

"It is clear that the Commission's letter must be heeded and all works stopped until the legal status of the Irish National Monuments Act is established".

-ENDS-

For further information, questions, comments or interview, please contact Kathy on: +353 87 2786 552 (mobile), +32 228 47692 (Brussels office) or +353 21 4888 793 (Cork office)

Related Articles:
Campaign welcomes moratorium call.
EU Petitions Committee visit Tara and Lismullin.
EU Committee sees proof of Irish Authorities humiliating environmental record.
Baronstown Monument destroyed under cover of darkness.