Gormley to review heritage protection

[two gun sid]

From Ireland.com:
Minister for the Environment John Gormley is to review how the State protects its national heritage and landscape following the controversy over the planned construction of the M3 motorway over historic sites near the Hill of Tara.

Mr Gormley said today that Tara and "similar controversies" of recent years raised the "valid question" as to whether the current measures we have to protect our archaeological and natural landscape are adequate. However, he again insisted he had no power to review the decision of his predecessor Dick Roche on the route of the motorway.

"I recognise fully that we live in a dynamic and changing landscape and housing, commercial and infrastructure development is an important part of that dynamic. Yet we have a rich and amazing natural and archaeological heritage which we are duty-bound to protect," the Minister said.

"I agree with bodies such as the Heritage Council who have said that we do need enhanced measures. Therefore in the coming weeks I will begin a consultative process in order to bring forward a new National Landscape Strategy."

http://www.ireland.com/newspaper/breaking/2007/0706/breaking68.htm

?ts=1183755523

[Maeve]

1. Good first step

Late in the game, but you take what you can get (and then ask for more!) The archaeological treasures of Ireland are an important part of its very being; they have been conserved for centuries--they shouldn't be destroyed for a motorway(shades of Hitchhikers Guide!)
And in Co Clare, they re-routed a road for a fairy thorn in the '90's--I have trouble seeing why he can't re-route for Tara.