A planned bypass of the Co Wexford town of Enniscorthy could destroy battlefields from the 1798 Rebellion, residents claim.
Four routes for the bypass, which should relieve congestion on one of the worst bottlenecks on the N11, are being considered by a steering committee that includes representatives of Wexford County Council and the National Roads Authority.
A decision on the route is due in September, but environmental studies are being delayed because landowners on the east side of the town are refusing to co-operate with the council.
Two of the four routes go to the east of Enniscorthy and an action group, the Red-Gold Alliance, has been formed to oppose an eastern bypass of the town. The alliance claims to have 600 supporters.
Ms Brenda Wall, its public relations officer, said a bypass to the east would come too close to the town and involve a "huge monstrosity" of a bridge being built over the Slaney close to St Senan's Hospital and through a conservation area.
It would also destroy battlefields used in the 1798 Rebellion and mar the view from one of the most famous landmarks of the uprising, Vinegar Hill. Landowners are refusing access to their properties because of the failure of the council and the NRA to provide information sought by residents, she said.
The four routes were compiled by the regional design office. The project manager, Ms Mary Bowe, said they were aware of the problems highlighted by the alliance and these would be taken into consideration.
She pointed out, however, that there were also objections to a western bypass.
"Some people on that side argue that a bypass close to the town is a good thing. We have to look at all the options available and find the best possible outcome for Enniscorthy."
A constraints study report on the project has been published and a third public consultation phase is due to begin in the autumn, following the selection of the preferred route. The road is due to be completed in 2006.
