This thesis is about the conflict concerning the building of the MB motorway in an archaeologically sensitive area close to the Hill of Tara in Co. Meath. The main aim of this thesis was to examine the conflict between development and heritage in relation to the Tara/Skryne Valley; therefore the focus has been to investigate the planning process. It has been found that both the planning process and the Environmental Impact Assessment system in Ireland is inadequate. Another aspect of the conflict that was explored was the issue of insiders and outsiders. Through the examination of both quantitative and qualitative data, the conclusion has been reached that the majority of insiders, people from the Tara area, do in fact want the M3 to be built. This is contrary to the idea that was portrayed by the media that most people were opposed to the construction of the motorway.