Tara decision due within three weeks

A decision is to be made on the final route of the M3 motorway within the next three weeks, it was revealed today.

Opponents of the plan claim the road will devastate the historic Tara-Skryne Valley in Co Meath.

The National Museum is to be consulted before a final decision is taken. Environment Minister Dick Roche will have the final say following an archaeologist's report.

The Minister has said: “My role is very focused on archaeology and remember the decision about the route is already through the planning process.

“The planning process has already taken place and my statutory function is in relation to archaeology and I am making a decision on that.”