FIANNA FÁIL TD Thomas Byrne has claimed that “powerful forces” from outside Co Meath were attempting to stop the Slane bypass going ahead.
Mr Byrne, who represents Meath East, was joined by Slane FF councillor Wayne Harding in rejecting criticism of the project earlier this week by Dr Edgar Morgenroth, associate professor at the Economic and Social Research Institute.
Dr Morgenroth described the proposed bypass as “idiotic” and warned he would make a formal complaint to the Comptroller and Auditor General if An Bord Pleanála approved the current proposal.
The board, which is considering the matter, has asked Meath County Council to supply detailed additional information on the bypass, including whether any alternative route west of the village had been examined.
Mr Byrne said Dr Morgenroth’s opinion “smack[ed] of unwarranted interference” in the board’s independence and was highly inappropriate.
Mr Byrne said the N2 through Slane village had caused huge concern among the community for years and many people had lost their lives on a relatively short stretch of road.
