NRA must learn from historic encounter

ON May 17, Fred Barry, chief executive of the National Roads Authority (NRA), wrote in a national newspaper that he wished to provide a road that would improve the quality of life and safety of residents of counties Meath and Cavan.

This is a wish that must be shared by beleaguered commuters. What is more, one has to sympathise with Mr Barry’s frustration at the hold-ups that have delayed the project. However, given that many alternative routes were available, was it really good use of public money and wise of the NRA to press on with one which incorporates the Tara/Skryne valley when it was obvious that trouble lay ahead? Challenges in the courts were inevitable.

It was inevitable also that the richness of the archaeology of this valley would cause complications. Just how big these complications are has now been revealed.