SAVE NEWGRANGE

PRESS RELEASE

Monday, 29 November 2010

'Shelving of N2 Slane Bypass Welcomed by Campaigners'

Save Newgrange welcomes the shelving of the N2 Slane bypass, and is calling for the An Bord Pleanala planning process to be canceled.

The N2 Slane bypass was not included in the Four Year Budget Plan, released on Wednesday, 24 November. However, An Bord Pleanala has since indicated that it is proceeding with an oral hearing, as part of the planning process.

An Bord Pleanala has stated that the proposed oral hearing will take place some time early in the New Year; probably "next February".

However, if planning permission is granted, after the hearing, it will be over four years before construction can begin. This will mean that planning permission will be out of date.

The upgrading of the N2 Ashbournce to Ardee section of the N2 has already been shelved, so it doesn't make any sense to continue with this section in the middle as a stand-alone 3.5km dual carriageway.

Over 100 objections have been filed against the bypass, including evidence from leading archaeologist, Professor George Eogan, that the proposed route will result in the loss of World Heritage statue for Newgrange (Bru na Boinne).

Evidence that ESRI economist Dr Edgar Morgenroth has deemed the bypass an "idiotic" waste of taxpayers money has also been submitted to the board.

Vincent Salafia of Save Newgrange said:

"There is no point in proceeding with a lengthy and expensive planning hearing if there is no money to build the road.

"It is outrageous that we will be forced to spend time and money attending a lengthy oral hearing, with expert witnesses, if all of the data being used will be out of date in four years.

"We are calling on the Minister for Finance, Brian Lenihan, and the Minister for Transport, Noel Dempsey, to immediately reign in the NRA and Meath County Council, and end this farce.

ENDS

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