Minister accused of arrogance over Tara

THE only ‘wow’ factor in Environment Minister Dick Roche’s recent announcement of the new Heritage Trust is that he understands the meaning of heritage at all. He didn’t at Tara.

In giving permission for archaeological excavations last year he indicated that “as a statutory consultee on individual planning applications, he intends ensuring that heritage protection remains a priority in this area”.

If that’s the case, then he should take careful note of the planning applications pouring into Meath County Council, including the most recent for a waste recycling facility in the Gabhra valley right beside the historic Gabhra river?

This is intended to recycle construction and demolition waste. Sited at the proposed interchange and only 1,525m from the Hill of Tara, what will it recycle? The archaeological remains of our ancestors and our history?

So much for Mr Roche’s aim “to protect the rural character, setting and archaeological heritage of the landscape in the vicinity of Tara and the new motorway”. The minister’s arrogance and disregard of his environment portfolio is appalling.

Muireann Ní Bhrolcháin

Laurence Ave

Maynooth

Co Kildare