The cessation of works on the M3 through Co Meath could have been averted had the Government followed a proposal to re-route a section of the controversial project, it was claimed today.
Labour Party environment spokesman Eamon Gilmore said he proposed in 2004 that the construction of by-passes should be started while work on re-routing the contentious stretch through the Tara/Skryne Valley could have been undertaken.
The project has been delayed by protests and court actions by objectors to the building of a major road through an area of such archaeological significance. Heritage group An Taisce recently appealed to the Supreme Court claiming authorisation for the works had been illegally granted.
Claims that as yet undiscovered sites could be affected by the route were borne out yesterday when it was confirmed that a large circular enclosure probably dating back to the Iron or Bronze Age had been discovered.
Evidence of an entrance and passageway from an outer enclosure to an inner enclosure possibly used for ancient rituals was discovered.
Minister for the Environment Dick Roche called a halt to works around the area yesterday - just a day after Minister for Transport Martin Cullen turned the sod in the €850 million project.
Work on preserving the site and taking material for radiocarbon dating is underway today.
Mr Gilmore said the delay would not have occurred if his proposal to construct bypasses around Kells, Navan and Dunshaughlin and re-design the Tara/Skryne Valley stretch had been followed.
"At the time, the authorities didn't know the full extent of the archaeological heritage in the area, but they were aware that there were dozens of sites of archaeological interest.
"Environment Minister Dick Roche wouldn't listen and he poo pooed our proposals at the time," Mr Gilmore said.
The site was discovered around two weeks ago and inspected by the National Monuments Service which submitted a report to the Pat Wallace, director of the National Museum.
It is understood that Mr Roche may receive Dr Wallace's observations by the end of the week.
Michael Canney of the Save Tara Campaign said further construction of the road should be halted until after the general election.
"That this monument has been discovered is more by accident than by design and many other sites that were of significance have been hastily and inadequately surveyed.
"We now call on the Government and the NRA to abandon this route - admit they have made a serious mistake and act properly and positively to protect our heritage," Mr Carney said.