A leading Europe-wide conservation body has called for construction work on a hotel opposite Trim Castle, in Co Meath, to be halted pending a full review of the town council's decision to permit the development.
In a statement issued from The Hague yesterday FRI, Europa Nostra which represents 220 heritage conservation groups in 40 European countries has also appealed to the Minister for the Environment, Mr Roche, to intervene.
Mr Otto von der Gablentz, president of Europa Nostra, has urged the Minister to review his predecessor's decision that the hotel was appropriately sited in relation to Trim Castle. He described it as "the most significant Anglo-Norman castle in the Republic of Ireland".
"This outstanding historic site of national and European significance was awarded a European Union Prize for Cultural Heritage/Europa Nostra Award in 2002, recognising the excellent conservation work on the castle including imaginative new installations," he added.
Heritage officials had recommended that Trim Town Council's decision to approve the hotel should be appealed to An Bord Pleanála because of fears about its potential impact, but the then minister for the environment, Mr Martin Cullen, directed that no appeal be made.
Europa Nostra, of which An Taisce is the Irish affiliate, said it was clear that the historic integrity of Trim Castle's setting was being threatened by the four-storey hotel, which would be located directly across the road, just 50 feet from its ramparts.
It endorsed An Taisce's recommendation that Mr Roche should ask the town council to revoke the sale of the site and the planning permission under Section 44 of the Planning and Development Act 2000, and to request a full review of the planning decision.
Europa Nostra wants building work halted until a compromise agreement is reached.