An Bord Pleanála has given the green light for work to start on the National Monument at Lismullen in County Meath. The monument lies on the path of the M3 motorway.

The National Monument at Lismullen, close to the Hill of Tara, consists of two circular enclosures - the largest being 80m in diameter - which date from somewhere between 1000BC and 400AD.

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Archaeologists will examine the site before the road is constructed on top of it.

Last month the National Roads Authority (NRA) submitted plans to preserve the site “by record”, which means the NRA will examine the area closely before proceeding to build the M3 over it.

The decision has come as a relief for both the NRA and the Meath County Council. However, protestors will be disappointed as they hoped the Bord would have demanded a new environmental impact assessment.

(JM/CL)