John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)

He probably was. He was part of the Discovery Programme for quite a long time and it was he who came to me to offer advice regarding Rath Lugh.

Rath Lugh is on a quite large esker. Professor Newman's immediate concern was that the construction works could undermine the esker despite its being outside the road take. He also discovered that the national monument was probably closer to the road than had been anticipated. I took this into account. I was told by the Department that some of the growth on the esker itself could undermine the national monument and this is why I acted on the matter.

The Deputy knows quite well that the decision on the M3 was taken in 2003. My party was opposed to the motorway and this is a matter of historical record. Some of my closest advisers attended the hearing. Deputy Hogan knows well that I cannot, at this stage, do anything about the decision but I can do everything I can as Minister responsible for heritage, which title I take very seriously, to protect our archaeological heritage. I listened very carefully to what Professor Conor Newman said about Lismullin and to the statements of the director of the National Museum of Ireland, Dr. Pat Wallace. These two individuals were opposed to the siting of the road and share my concern over archaeological heritage. That is why I am delighted they are on board and advising me.

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