Motorway protesters are not a minority
Why does he feel the need wrongfully to accuse protesters of delaying the project? Why does he mislead the Irish public regarding road deaths on the N3?
His recent remarks at the opening of the Ashbourne bypass were shocking. The campaign to save Tara is only against the route of the M3 through the Gabhra Valley — not against the motorway.
We are not a minority — 70% of people surveyed in an independent Red C poll said they wanted the road moved out of the valley.
The Minister for the Environment delayed giving consent. Any future delays will be as a result of the chosen route through the most sensitive landscape in Ireland and the 38 archaeological sites found along the way.
An alternative westerly route would be shorter: it would serve Trim and avoid the valley.
The proposed route of the M3 between Navan and Dunshaughlin is 2.5km longer than the existing N3.
The route, the lack of will to open the railway line and the waste of public funds on unnecessary excavations do not serve the public interest.
Are we now to be denied our democratic right to protest and to be accused of causing deaths?
Perhaps the Taoiseach should look at the state of our health service before he accuses campaigners of causing delays, deaths and suffering.
Muireann Ní Bhrolcháin
58 Laurence Ave
Maynooth
Co Kildare
