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19 August 2004 PRESS
RELEASE Green
Party welcomes High Court ruling
on Carrickmines Castle The
Green Party has welcomed today's High Court hearing regarding Carrickmines
Castle and the M50 saying that the issues relating to heritage deserve to be
carefully examined. Ciarán Cuffe TD, the
Green Party's Heritage spokesperson said
today that; "Any delays arising from
today's decision can be laid at the door of Martin Cullen, the Minister for
Environment, Heritage and Local Government. He rammed the controversial National
Monuments Act 2004 through the Dáil shortly before the Summer recess." "The Bill that was
introduced to address the Carrickmines issue may be used as a Trojan Horse to
threaten other National Monuments. This is an incredible legacy for a Minister
for Heritage." "We opposed the Bill as we
believe that it gave the Minister sweeping powers to interfere with a National
Monument. Those powers may well be proven in the High Court to be
unconstitutional. "We would like to see
legislative changes to allow for changes in the design of a road if significant
archaeological features are discovered. There should be room for manoeuvre, even
after construction has started." "The Green Party wants to see the M50 completed. At this stage we still believe that changes can be made which would safeguard more of the Castle and allow the road to be opened as soon as possible," concluded Deputy Cuffe. ENDS/ |