Two men and a woman were arrested yesterday at Rath Lugh in Co Meath as the standoff over the controversial M3 motorway continues.

The protestors claim that the National Roads Authority (NRA) breached an agreement that no further work would take place at the site.

However, the NRA issued a statement denying that it has gone back on any agreement. It said: "The NRA entered into an understanding in good faith with protesters at Rath Lugh on Saturday March 15, 2008 under which the contractors work on fencing off the road land take and the construction of a haul road past the national monument would not be interfered with.

"However, over recent days continued protestor actions have not allowed the contractor to put in place protective fencing and construct the haul road. This interference is in direct breach of the understanding."

The NRA claimed that on Tuesday the contractor sought to erect fencing on the project boundary line, which is outside the area covered by the national monument Preservation Order. It said the contractor sought to commence the construction of the haul road that had been clarified with the tunnel protestor on Saturday evening. In both areas violent protests ensued and the contractor ceased work due to safety concerns for his operatives and the protestors.

-- Advertisement --

"As a result these important elements of the programme of works clarified with the tunnel protestor on Saturday were not achievable," the NRA said.

"All of the clarifications discussed with the tunnel protestor on Saturday continue to apply including the review of the horizontal alignment in the environs of Rath Lugh, with the exception that the timing of a part of the works has been rescheduled following the advice of An Garda Siochana in light of the continued violent protests and their public order concerns. The situation requires the commitment of significant Garda resources to achieve a safe and secure working environment."

Due to the evolving situation and the taking into account serious Garda concerns the Authority has requested the contractor to advance the construction schedule and put in place a "box cut" (foot print of future road) within the construction zone at Rath Lugh. This action will identify where the road will be placed and remove all concerns as to the potential impact on the national monument.

The monument at Rath Lugh is under a permanent protective Ministerial order and a protective zone is already in place around the monument. The Authority has said it will continue to liaise directly with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and will observe all requirements under the Ministerial order to protect the national monument.

(VB/JM)