The following is a press release from PDs by-election candidate for Meath, Sirena Campbell:

Progressive Democrats by-election candidate for Meath, Sirena Campbell, says her party is to examine alternative proposals to the controversial M3 motorway.

Ms. Campbell says a decision was taken at a meeting of the Progressive Democrats General Council on Saturday to examine alternative proposals.

"There is widespread acceptance that if the current route is given the go-ahead, a high Court challenge will immediately follow and the whole thing will be delayed for years. The people of Meath cannot afford another "Carrickmines" and that is why the Progressive Democrats are examining an alternative proposal."

"I believe the vast majority of people in Meath want a road built that can be delivered in a timely manner and reduce congestion. Meath commuters face some of the biggest tailbacks and lengthiest commutes in the country, and that is why it is so important that the route selected does not immediately become the subject of objections in the courts."

According to Ms Campbell, a transport committee within the Progressive Democrats have drawn up an alternative proposal, which is to now be considered in detail by members of the Parliamentary Party.

In essence, the new proposal recommends separating the M3 into two elements.
Phase 1: North of Dunshaughlin to Clonee to be carried out immediately on the existing proposed alignment to relieve the acute congestion in the area
Phase 2: North of Dunshaughlin, a new alignment running between the N2/N3 should be selected which would serve to bypass Navan but also eliminate the traffic problem at Slane.

"I am very pleased that the Progressive Democrats Parliamentary have agreed to examine this new proposal in detail, analyse the costs and timings involved with a view to recommending its adoption by the NRA."