Sir, – After the decision to route the M3 close to Tara when a viable alternative existed, I doubted that the proximity of a Unesco world heritage site to the proposed N2 Slane bypass would influence the planners, whatever about the NRA and Meath Co Council officials.
Happily I was mistaken (Home News, March 8th). It is worth citing part of An Bord Pleanála’s judgment to drive home this point: “The board considers that the proposed development would have a detrimental impact on the rural character, landscape setting, cultural amenity and archaeological heritage of the Brú na Bóinne archaeological complex, and would be contrary to the heritage protection provisions of the [County Meath] Development Plan. The proposed development would, therefore, be contrary to the proper planning and sustainable development of the area”.
An important question remains. Why won’t the NRA and Meath Co Council implement a heavy goods vehicle ban to address the genuine and important safety concerns of local residents? After all, the distance between Dublin Port and Ardee is 73km via the M1 and 74km via the N2. – Yours, etc,