TONY LOWES,
Sir, - On September 16th, the Minister for Transport announced in a press release that he had "approved a set of comprehensive proposals that will achieve the dual objective of preserving extensive areas of the historical and archaeological site at Carrickmines while at the same time allowing construction of the South Eastern Motorway section of the M50 Motorway to proceed on schedule."
While conceding that he felt "uncomfortable" about his decision, he said that following "lengthy consultations and negotiations", additional engineering and preservation measures" costing €500,000 were to be made to ensure that "the main features" of the 8-acre castle complex, the most important archaeological find in rural Ireland, would be "saved".
I have been seeking the Ministerial Order implementing these changes. The roads policy section of the Department of Transport has informed me that "the National Roads Authority have informed us that there were no written approvals re comprehensive proposals as outlined in the Minister's press release".
The Minister's private Secretary, Roger Harrington, has "advised that he is not aware of any Ministerial Order being issued regarding Carrickmines Castle".
It appears the Minister has committed this expenditure on the basis of oral communications alone.
How can any of us - members of the Oireachtas, environmentalists, or members of the public - seek the protection of our heritage if the decisions to "save" it are not recorded in writing? - Yours, etc,
TONY LOWES, Friends of the Irish Environment, Allihies, Co Cork.