Road Network.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 December 2004

Thursday, 9 December 2004

Questions (19, 20, 21)

Ciarán Cuffe

Question:

15 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if he will be seeking the advice of independent experts who have an intimate knowledge of the archaeology and history of the area in regard to the proposed M3 motorway through the Tara Skryne area (details supplied); and if he grants permission for this development through the Tara landscape will he, in consideration of the exceptional sensitivity of this landscape, insist that an independent archaeological authority oversee this work to ensure standards of best archaeological practice shall be observed at all times. [32793/04]

Richard Bruton

Question:

45 Mr. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he intends to make a decision on the M3 motorway at Tara; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32748/04]

Joan Burton

Question:

99 Ms Burton asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the serious concern expressed by the chairperson of the Joint Committee on the Environment and Local Government regarding the implications for the heritage in the Tara/Skyrne area of the proposed route of the M3 motorway; if he will take into account of these concerns when making a decision on the options open to him under the National Monument Acts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32661/04]

Written answers

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Mr. Roche)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 15, 45 and 99 together.

An Bord Pleanála, which has an independent statutory mandate, is responsible under the Roads Act 1993 for the approval of motorway schemes following an assessment of the environmental impact of the proposal. In the case of the M3 motorway, the process involved a detailed environmental impact assessment, in which archaeological considerations and other factors were extensively addressed, and a public oral hearing. Following this process, the motorway scheme, including the route of the proposed M3, was approved by An Bord Pleanála in August 2003.

Under the National Monuments (Amendment) Act 2004, once a motorway scheme has been approved, any associated archaeological works, for example, excavations, are to be carried out in accordance with directions that the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government may issue, following consultation with the National Museum of Ireland. This procedure is designed to ensure that appropriate standards apply to the carrying out of archaeological works in connection with approved road developments.

In the case of the M3 motorway, an application for the carrying out of a programme of archaeological works and mitigation measures relating to a portion of the route has been made by the road authority to my Department and is at present being considered. In determining the matter, I will also receive expert advice from the archaeological staff of my Department and I will also, in accordance with the Act, consult with the director of the National Museum of Ireland before directions are issued.

My Department has responsibility for the regulation of archaeological works and the maintenance of standards. All works carried out under directions given under the 2004 Act would be monitored by my Department to ensure they are carried out to the proper standards. Given this arrangement, I do not consider it necessary or desirable to establish a separate archaeological authority to oversee such works. Determination of the matters referred to above will be made as soon as possible.