Press Release. Campaign to Save Tara,
5th. September, 21:00.

Government dismisses European concerns
- on Tara and the M3

The Government's dismissal of European concerns regarding the construction of the M3 motorway at Tara in Co. Meath was condemned by the Save Tara Campaign today. The campaign maintains that in not agreeing to revisit the route of the motorway the Government is seriously misjudging the EU Commission's determination to make member states abide by European Law. The current Commission has been very proactive in prosecuting member States who flout environmental directives.

Dr. Muireann Ní Bhrolcháin said today; "This communication shows the contempt and arrogance of this Government when it comes to environmental concerns. The EU recognize the importance of the Tara landscape, the people of Ireland also recognize this. Yet this government continues to put sectoral interests above those of the common good. The protests will continue along the proposed road construction, the lobbying will continue and efforts to have the case reopened by the courts at domestic and European level will intensify".

Michael Canney, the named litigant in the current High Court summons about the M3 commented today; "We owe our current prosperity in large part to the largesse of our European neighbours, particularly the Maastricht billions. How dare the Government turn around now and refuse to abide by European Environmental Law. But it is quite typical of this Government to cherry pick certain legislation. It appears we are still closer to Boston than Berlin, despite the Greens being in Government. The Save Tara Campaign is determined, through the current High Court proceedings, to force the adoption of progressive EU environmental legislation into Irish law. The fact that we have to drag the Government kicking and screaming to accept this is a disgrace".

In a related development, the cases again the Tara Ten were adjourned in Navan Court. The next court appearance will happen on October 24th. at 10.30am.

ENDS

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

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