Ireland will be fined if it loses Lismullen case

I would like to clarify some points in response to Liam Aylward MEP (Letters, September 7), in which he accuses Tara protectors of overstating the involvement of the European Commission in the Lismullen dispute.

The planned destruction of Lismullen has been included in a case against Ireland to be heard in autumn in the European Court of Justice (ECJ). Minister John Gormley has received a reasoned opinion, also referred to as a final warning’, that the Government does not have a valid environmental impact assessment to proceed with the destruction of Lismullen.

Mr Aylward also indicates that the destruction of Lismullen will not expose the Irish taxpayer to fines. The reality is, should Ireland lose its case in the ECJ, as I believe it will, Ireland will face fines which will be all the greater for having ignored the EC warnings. However, whatever fines Ireland will pay will be insignificant compared to the loss of our irreplaceable national heritage.