Press Release. Department of the Environment,
Heritage & Local Government,
3rd. October 2007.

Minister Gormley places Temporary Preservation Order
- on National Monument at Rath Lugh, Co. Meath

The Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Mr. John Gormley TD, has confirmed today (2nd. Oct. 07) that he has placed a Temporary Preservation Order on a National Monument at Rath Lugh in Lismullin Townland, Co. Meath, adjacent to lands on which the M3 motorway is under construction. Coillte Teo own the land on which the national monument at Rath Lugh is located.

"I have been informed that Rath Lugh is outside the land-take for the M3 although clearly the National Monument is quite close to the perimeter of the road take. In fact a recent survey confirmed that the monument is approximately 20m east of the motorway fence line. Special measures are being put in place to ensure that the monument is not under-mined or endangered in any way during construction or when the road comes into operation. The monument will be over 30m from the motorway carriageway when it is completed", said Minister Gormley.

"As I have stated previously I am fully committed to preserving the archaeological heritage of this area and I am taking this measure as I want to ensure that the National Monument which is close to the land take for the road is fully protected and not in any danger at all", added Minister Gormley.

The Minister determined that a Temporary Preservation Order should be put in place, initially, to ensure the national monument is protected while he discusses the long-term preservation of the site with Coillte.

ENDS

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Related Articles:
Statement CtST - Minister places preservation order on Rath Lugh.