Madam, - Vincent Salafia (Opinion, August 17th) misrepresents the provisions in the 2004 National Monuments legislation. In particular his claim that appropriate "checks and balances" are omitted is grossly misleading.
Mr Salafia is aware that, prior to issuing any consent, the Minister is required to consult in writing with the director of the National Museum. In addition, important provisions are included in the Act which empower An Bord Pleanála, at its sole discretion, to grant (or withhold) EIS approval for any route alterations that may be required in connection with archaeological consents. The board is, of course, an independent body.
IBEC welcomes this legislation because, in addition to introducing greater procedural certainty in a fraught legal area, it allows the Minister to take account of economic realities in framing his decision. This is a key issue where taxpayers funds are expended (nearly €10 million at Carrickmines alone) in investigating features, many of doubtful archaeological provenance.
I also wish to correct the impression conveyed in the article that a castle is to be demolished at Carrickmines. I have visited the site on many occasions and can assure your readers that no such edifice is in evidence. The random stone-faced ditches at Carrickmines are being carefully dismantled, under archaeological supervision.
A final question: why are the self-appointed defenders of our archaeological heritage so obsessively concerned with roads development? In Dublin, unique Viking structures at Cherrywood were deemed not sufficiently important to merit preservation. Bronze age remains on Bray Head were similarly sacrificed to a golf course development. I don't recall a whimper of protest from Mr Salafia or his friends.
Is it, perhaps, that protecting archaeology, along with saving the trees and the wildlife, is merely a flag of convenience for those determined to stop roads development at any cost? - Yours, etc.,
REG McCABE,
Director, Transport
and Logistics Council,
IBEC,
Lower Baggot Street,
Dublin 2.