Tara-Skryne archaeological excavations to cost up to €30m

The excavation of 38 archaeological sites on the proposed route of the M3 motorway around the Hill of Tara could reportedly cost up to €30m.

Reports this morning said the estimate was presented to Meath County Council yesterday by experts working on the motorway.

Heritage protection campaigners are fighting to have the motorway re-routed away from the Tara-Skryne valley in Co Meath due to the damage it would do to archaeological sites.

The valley is one of the richest archaeological sites in Ireland and is believed to have once been the centre of civilisation on this island.