EC to begin action against Ireland over Tara motorway
Wednesday October 17 2007
The European Commission is reportedly expected to begin legal action against the Irish Government today over the M3 motorway near the Hill of Tara.
Reports this morning say Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas will ask his colleagues to refer the matter to the European Court of Justice.
Mr Dimas will reportedly say that Irish law does not offer enough protection to archaeological sites and that a new Environmental Impact Assessment should have been carried out after the discovery of the Lismullen monument in the route of the motorway.
This morning's reports say the EC action will not stop the construction of the M3, but will force the Government to defend its decision to build the motorway in an archaeologically sensitive area.
