Plans to showcase some of the Ireland's stately homes at meetings of EU ministers next year have been threatened with disruption by heritage campaigners.
Carrickminders - the group campaigning against the building of a motorway through the remains of historic Carrickmines Castle - are considering protesting outside heritage sites such as Farmleigh and Emo Court if EU leaders meet there.
The Minister of State at the Department of Finance, Mr Tom Parlon, mooted the idea of holding meetings at State properties during Ireland's EU Presidency which begins on January 1st 2004.
Mr Parlon was quoted in yesterday's Irish Independentsaying informal meetings of EU dignitaries would be held in historic locations as a way of to "openup the State heritage" as part of a process of "showing off Irish culture".
But Carrickminders spokesman, Mr Vincent Salafia, criticised the comments, in particular Mr Parlon's reference to the defunct heritage protection agency, Duchas, being "precious" about national monuments.
"What a hypocrite. The Cabinet decision to close Duchas has left a huge void in heritage protection, and local authorities ... now see it as open season for development," Mr Salafia said.
Excoriating the Government's record on heritage Mr Salafia warned that Government hosts could be embarrassed in front of visiting European officials by protests.
Mr Salafia warned: "Unless there are major changes in Government policy and practice with regards to heritage, Bertie may be getting more than a few little boos."