Campaigners opposed to the routing of the planned M3 motorway near Tara in Co Meath may form a political protest party to run at the next general election, it emerged today.
The High Court ruled in March that the chosen route did not impinge upon the ancient Hill of Tara site, but the group TaraWatch is appealing this decision to the Supreme Court.
Vincent Salafia
TaraWatch supporters today held a protest outside the Dáil to protest at the passage of the Strategic Infrastructure Bill through the Dáil on Tuesday.
TaraWatch spokesman Vincent Salafia, who already faces a €600,000 bill over failed legal challenges to the road, said he would form a political party to fight the issue at the general election in 2007.
"If the mainstream political parties don't bite on the issue, then we will have to form our own political grouping," Mr Salafia said.
"There is a lot of support for our campaign on the ground, and there will be a lot of votes on the doorsteps come general election time."
"We believe that 70 per cent of people want the M3 rerouted away from Tara but the Government isn't listening to them. If we cannot stop the motorway in the courts, we will try to stop it in the Dáil."
Mr Salafia added: "The Government has worked hard at avoiding, rather than finding a solution to the problem of their own creation. This issue is a test for Opposition parties to show that they have vision and can solve problems."
Mr Salafia claimed the successful passage through the Dáil of the Strategic Infrastructure Bill, which fast-tracks major infrastructure projects, will limit the ability of citizens to challenge planning decisions in court.
"The Government and its developer cronies are wrecking our children's environment and cultural inheritance. They are also stripping away their legal and civil rights to object."
TDs Tony Gregory (Independent), Seán Crowe (Sinn Féin) and Ciarán Cuffe (Green Party) attended today's demonstration.
A candle-lit walk will be held later this month along the planned route of the motorway to Tara.
TaraWatch is also compiling an album to raise funds and promote awareness of the campaign. Entitled Tara of the Kings, it will feature musicians Ronan Ó Snodaigh and Paddy Casey.
PA