Supreme Court dismisses motorway route plea

The Supreme Court today dismissed an appeal brought by a Dublin conservationist to protect the state’s national heritage.

Dominic Dunne, a campaigner who fought to save the ruins of Carrickmines Castle during the building of the M50, has lost the court’s third judgement.

Mr Chief Justice John L Murray dismissed the case, ruling in favour of a previous High Court decision.

That judgment rejected Mr Dunne’s bid to stop construction of the motorway over the ruins of the castle because it was unconstitutional and against EU directives.

The court ruled it could not accede to either application and it cleared the way for work to continue.

Work on the south eastern section of the motorway was completed last year.

This latest result could now have an effect on the controversial M3 development, which protesters say will destroy architectural heritage around the ancient Hill of Tara.

That case will go before the Supreme Court in October.