An Taisce welcomes the publication of the Trim Castle Report by the Centre for Public Enquiry. While reflecting the particular circumstances which applied to Trim Castle, the report highlights the lack of transparency in property disposal by local and public authorities and the failure of the Irish planning system to protect significant heritage sites.

In granting consent for the clearance of archaeological sites to accommodate the motorway through the Tara archaeological complex, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Dick Roche stated that measures would be taken to protect the area for inappropriate development.

However the manner in which official advice from the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government to appeal the Trim Castle to An Bord Pleanala was ignored by the previous Minister raises little confidence in any promises to protect the Tara area.

ENDS