Expert: Part of Tara site saveable
Dr Conor Newman of NUI Galway said a section of the ancient amphitheatre, which lies outside the route of the controversial motorway, could still be kept in situ.
About a third of the Lismullen site, which was declared a national monument after it was uncovered during construction work on the M3 last March, does not form part of the area required for the construction of the motorway near the Hill of Tara.
Dr Newman, who was appointed in June by Environment Minister, John Gormley, to a committee to advise on the excavation of Lismullen, expressed hope that discussions could still be held with various authorities on how part of the site could be preserved. However, he stressed that it could be kept in situ if certain precautionary measures were taken.
He said the advisory committee had unanimously agreed that the majority of the Lismullen site had to be excavated.
“Of course, I would be much happier to say the monument was being preserved in situ but this recommendation should not be seen as giving a green light to the motorway,” said Dr Newman.
He said he would continue to campaign to have the proposed route of the M3 altered.
Meanwhile, it is expected that Tara Watch, one of the groups that took part in a peaceful demonstration at the Lismullen site yesterday, will mount another legal challenge to the M3 roadworks if there is no positive response to a solicitor’s letter sent to Mr Gormley, the National Roads Authority, the Attorney General and Meath Co Council.
