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JOINT COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT debate -
Wednesday, 7 Apr 2004

Business of Joint Committee.

Under the heading Other Business, I draw members' attention to correspondence received from the British Embassy regarding the visit to Dublin on 28 April of Laurence Williams, chief inspector of nuclear installations in the UK, and Dr. Joe McHugh, head of radioactive substances regulation at the UK Environment Agency. They are seeking to meet informally with members of the committee. The secretariat will be in touch with members to establish their availability for that meeting. Are there any other matters members wish to raise?

I have previously mentioned the proposed motorway through the Hill of Tara. I am anxious to call in the people who are concerned about this, and the NRA in order that we may hear its response. This will be an issue of major controversy in the foreseeable future. It appears there is a significant archaeological and heritage issue that must be considered. This has the potential to put Carrickmines and other such controversies into the ha'penny place. There is a strong body of opinion that this is of concern. There is time to have this issue resolved before it ends up in the courts, resulting in major costs and difficulties. This committee should take the initiative in hearing from those who are concerned from an archaeological point of view.

I have had the opportunity of hearing from some of the academics who are concerned about this. They have pointed out that there is a major, documented archaeological trove under the Hills of Tara and Skreen which will be compromised by this motorway. The decision on the route of the motorway has been made, but before matters are too advanced we should re-examine these issues.

At our last meeting we agreed to examine this. We could organise a meeting on the morning of 28 April. The meeting referred to in the correspondence from the British Embassy will take place in the afternoon. If members were agreeable we could organise that.

Is that our next meeting?

I would be happy with that.

Has a study of the options for route selection been carried out? That information would be helpful.

It has gone beyond that. A decision has been made on a motorway scheme.

We will try to collect as much information as we can and pass it on to members in advance of the meeting. Deputy Gilmore can provide the details of those he wishes to invite.

The joint committee adjourned at 5 p.m. until 10.30 a.m. on Wednesday, 28 April 2004.
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