Campaigners given hope in Carrickmines row

A conservationist was today granted leave to appeal against a decision made by Environment Minister Martin Cullen to demolish archaeological remains to build a roundabout.

The Supreme Court overturned a High Court Order made three weeks ago which had rejected Michael Mulcreevy’s request to appeal against the controversial decision to build a junction for the M50 motorway on the site of Carrickmines Castle, South Dublin.

Chief Justice Ronan Keane said he would allow the appeal on two grounds.

He overturned the High Court’s judgment that Mr Mulcreevy had made his appeal too late and also gave him leave to appeal the Minister’s right to have made the decision in the first place.

Mr Mulcreevy, from Killarney, will appear before the Supreme Court tomorrow to apply for all work at the site to be stopped until a decision is reached on his appeal.

Hundreds of archaeologists began work at Carrickmines last month in preparation for building work to begin.