Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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Question 182: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if new national monuments have been discovered or revealed in the course of the works associated with the M3 motorway at Ráth Luigh in County Meath or elsewhere; if he is satisfied with the protection given to Ireland's archaeological heritage in the course of the works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7478/07]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The route of the proposed M3 road development has been archaeologically assessed through geophysical surveys and test trenching and all of thus identified areas of archaeological interest are being fully excavated and recorded in accordance with directions given by me under the provisions of the National Monuments Acts. Excavation and recording at some of the identified areas of interest has been completed, while excavation and recording at other such areas is still in progress.

Regular reports are furnished to my Department and regular inspections are carried out by my Department of the archaeological works being carried out by the road authority. On the evidence of these reports and inspections, I am satisfied that the statutory directions in relation to these works are being fully complied with. I am also satisfied that to date, no new national monuments have been discovered or revealed at Ráth Lugh or elsewhere.