22 April 2002

PRESS RELEASE

GREEN PARTY CALL FOR PROPER ARCHAEOLOGICAL DIG ON SOUTH EASTERN MOTORWAY 

The Green Party has called for more time to be allowed for proper archaeological digs on the site of the proposed South-eastern motorway in Dublin.

The Carrickmines site is the most important mediaeval castle site in Ireland and requires considerable excavation. The adjoining Laughanstown site is also of huge importance.

"We are worried that the works are being rushed", stated Ciarán Cuffe of the Green Party. "We are also curious as to why a decision was made to run the road through such a sensitive area. The National Monuments Section of Dúchas apparently advised against this route."

"We also want to be reassured that there will be public access to the sites on ce the road is built. There was a commitment given by Dún Laoghaire Rathdown Council to allow permanent access, but we now believe that there may be cutbacks that could affect this decision.

"We are calling on the Council to declare their commitment to preserving what they can of the site in situ, and allow public access. It is shameful that the archaeologists are only one step ahead of the bulldozers."

ENDS

For further information contact:

Ciarán Cuffe, Dáil Candidate  087 265 2075 or 618 3082