An Taisce has criticised the National Roads Authority's decision to route the new M6 Galway-Dublin motorway through Aughrim, Co Galway, where more than 9,000 people died in battle in 1691.
The location is of Irish and European significance - the site of the largest such battle fought on this island, An Taisce pointed out. The battle represented a decisive failure for Jacobite forces and paved the way for the victory of King William III.
The M6 route is the subject of a protracted planning hearing in Galway city and An Taisce says the environmental impact statement (EIS) commissioned by the National Roads Authority (NRA) is misleading.
The statement said the route "may possibly" cut across the northern-most wings of both Williamite and Irish battle lines and will have "minimal impact".
An Taisce claimed it would impinge on the territory where the cavalry stood over three centuries ago. This location decided the fate of the battle, An Taisce said. It noted that the EIS admitted the viewing point of the Curragh Ringfort just south of the current N6 would be affected, but said this was "too vague and the impact should be evaluated and specified".
Mr Michael Egan of the NRA said An Taisce's remarks about the road project were riddled with errors and inaccuracies.
"We don't accept their claims in relation to Aughrim, that it is particularly destructive," Mr Egan said. He said a lot of care went into the planning of roads to avoid important sites. An Taisce had numerous opportunities over the last few years to speak up if they had any concerns.
