IBEC: Motorists want M3 built on route past Hill of Tara

The employers body IBEC has called on Environment Minister Dick Roche to allow the M3 motorway to be build on its planned route alongside the Hill of Tara in Co Meath.

Heritage campaigners want Mr Roche to re-route the motorway away from the Tara-Skryne Valley, which is rich in archaeology associated with Tara, the ancient seat of the High Kings of Ireland.

However, IBEC said a survey it carried out found that 90% of motorists in the local area wanted the road to go ahead as planned.

The body also insisted that it was perfectly adequate for archaeologists to study and record archaeological sites before destroying them to make for the way for the road.