U.S. Academic Calls For Halt On M3 Construction Work

According to a new report from an American academic, the newly-discovered ruins at Lismullin should be preserved because of their large size and unique character.

The archeologist, Dr. Ronald Hicks from Ball State University, Indiana, argues that the Lismullin ruins are part of a larger ancient ritual complex and, as such, should be preserved in situ.

The site has been a major source of controversy since its discovery by workers performing construction work on the new M3 motorway last April.

TaraWatch, who demand that the site be preserved, has insisted that the Government halt excavation until An Bord Pleanála rules if a fresh planning application for the road project is needed.

"This independent report proves the national monument is much more significant and substantial than the National Roads Authority have reported," said campaigner Vincent Salafia.

In light of this report, the minister should halt the demolition works until An Bord Pleanála concludes its current deliberative process."

The new report compares Lismullen to ceremonial enclosures found at Tara and other royal sites in Ireland, but notes that it is twice as large as any other.

The semicircular enclosure, which is thought to have been some kind of ceremonial site, lying across the northbound lane of the proposed motorway, is 80 metres in diameter and dates from between 380BC and 520BC.

Though the site was granted National Monument status and all works were initially halted there, former Environment Minister Dick Roche signed an order reinstating the work as one of his last acts in office.

The incoming Minister, John Gormley, T.D., insists that he does not have the authority to revoke the decision without significant changes in circumstance.

TaraWatch subsequently sent a solicitor's letter to Mr. Gormley that demanded the excavation work be stopped, and the organisation claims that it has received no reply from the Minister yet.

An Bord Pleanála is currently reviewing the affair and its decision is expected within the next few weeks.

If the board rules the road scheme is now different to the one approved last September, it could insist that a fresh planning application be lodged, leading to mjor delays in finishing the motorway.

"The board is deciding whether demolition of Lismullen is a material change to a motorway scheme, and whether it will have a significant effect on the environment," added Mr Salafia.

"They should consider this independent report in reaching their findings," he concluded.