Joe O'Toole (Independent)

There are no park and ride facilities on the M1, N2 or N3. We will know the Government has acted when we see these facilities.

I share the concerns expressed regarding the Natterjack toad, the Kerry slug, bats in Ardrahan and so forth and I often visit the Broadmeadow Estuary to watch the swans, which are flourishing. Those are not, however, the issue before us, which is the Hill of Tara and I am concerned that Senators have been afraid to address the matter.

The Minister of State informed the House as to what the archaeological reports by Meath County Council lead him to believe while carefully ignoring the proposals made by the route reporting group of the National Roads Authority. These proposals, which I have before me, arrived at a different conclusion. The Minister of State also carefully ignored Ireland's leading expert in this field, Professor George Eogan. I ask the Government to consider these issues.

As regards our position on issues, I agree with Senator Mansergh. I had no time for many of the objections which have been raised. I also agree with Senator Dooley's comments in this regard. I stood with the people of County Clare when they wanted an interpretative centre built on the Burren because they were right and their proposal displayed care, sensitivity and precision. Similarly, I support the construction of the Ennis bypass, which was so important to the Senator in his election. I guarantee, however, that if some philistine were to swerve the route of the proposed bypass further east to go through some of the crannógs in his back yard, I would stand with him to stop it proceeding. The people of Meath are asking Senators to take such a stance this evening.

I welcome the proposal that the Joint Committee on the Environment and Local Government visit the area and accept Senator Mansergh's suggestion that we examine the matter from both perspectives. When this proposal develops into another Carrickmines and becomes clogged in the courts, as it inevitably will, let us all remember that the reason was because we ignored the issues raised in the House tonight. When, as Senator Maurice Hayes stated, important discoveries are made underground and we are suddenly faced with a dilemma as to what to do with them, the building of this important road, which I support, will be delayed. When that transpires, let us remember that we had the solutions before us tonight but ignored them.

The solution is to opt for the alternative proposal produced in the route selection report of the NRA. It caused least problems in terms of archaeology, built heritage, flora and fauna, landscape and visual impact, air quality and noise levels. This option was available but we refused to take it. We are walking away from it because it calls for bravery.