Respect is a two-way road to Tara

TRANSPORT Minister Martin Cullen asks us to ‘respect the process’ in allowing the M3 to proceed unhindered.

The ‘process’ showed no respect for the many expert witnesses who argued that the route through the Tara valley was bound to cause untold damage to our heritage. It was a fait accompli.

No doubt the minister dreams at night of snipping the ribbon over yet another shiny new piece of motorway (tolled); for my part, I am waiting for the next election.

Some of us might also reconsider the issue of respect if he gave us back the €50 million he squandered on e-voting. But that is small beer compared to the €1.5 billion that will be spent on roads this year. That’s quite a fund for the NRA, which is essentially the wealthiest quango this country has ever seen.

If you can’t see your way to spending a few quid on buses and trains, Mr Cullen, at least try not to lose the money this time.

Declan Kenny

Black Lodge

Leixlip

Co Kildare