Josepha Madigan (Dublin Rathdown, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I do not accept the comments on the situation not progressing at all. The steering group has met six times. It is chaired by the chief archaeologist of the National Monuments Service. A draft plan has already been produced and a plan will be ready by the end of 2018. The steering group is anxious to finalise the policies by that deadline. Any delay in meeting the deadline will be necessitated by ensuring the quality of the policies and their long-term sustainability. The draft plan outlines the methodologies of the plan, its strategic objectives and the consultation process. It states the significance of Tara, which both Deputy Byrne and Deputy Tóibín pointed out. It is the symbolic capital of Ireland. We accept that and that is why the work has to be done in such a way that it balances the protection of the site as well as managing the traffic, which is primarily the responsibility of Meath County Council. However, the issue needs to be examined. The plan contains policies for the conservation of the site as well. The policies and implementation strategies have not yet been agreed but the group is currently discussing those issues with the aim of finalising the plan by the end of 2018. I will meet with the group on 2 October 2018.

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