Protect Tara

The M3 heritage trail

2007-12-21T15:25:00.000-08:00

Article by Joe Fenwick, archaeologist.

The M3 motorway continues to reveal new archaeological wonders as its broad corridor progresses relentlessly through Tara's Gabhra Valley. In the townland of Lismullin alone, in an attempt to steer a course to avoid a known Barrow, Souterrain, monastic site and the strategically placed fortification of Rath Lugh (recently subject to a Preservation Order), the motorway route has inadvertently impacted on several other previously unrecorded and equally significant archaeological remains. These include a Ring-Barrow, a complex of Souterrains and, of course, an Iron Age Temple. The Temple was declared a National Monument earlier this year, has since been "preserved by record" and awaits the Bulldozers Bucket.
Attention has now shifted to the nearby Souterrains, a subterranean complex of artificial passages and chambers dating to the Early Historic period (2nd. half of the 1st. millennium AD), which are currently being systematically dismantled.
During the course of recent work, a capstone bearing megalithic art has come to light. Megalithic art, like that at Newgrange, dates to the Neolithic Period (the fourth millennium BC) and so this stone is clearly not in it's original context. It must therefore have been acquired from a conveniently close at hand Passage Tomb.
Though this example, consisting of concentric circles, nested arcs and zig zags, bears similarity in style to the decorated stone in the Mound of the Hostages (on the summit of the Hill of Tara), it is unlikely to have come from this particular Monument. Perhaps one of the (as yet) unclassified Mounds to be found in the Gabhra Valley is the original source of this stone.
Sadly, but as forewarned, the course of the M3 motorway through the heart of Tara's royal demesne has struck an exceptionally rich archaeological seam.

© Village Magazine, January 2008.

Megalithic Art Found at Lismullen Souterrain, Tara

2007-12-02T11:56:00.000-08:00

PRESS RELEASE – SAVE TARA CAMPAIGN
The Save Tara campaign has learned that a decorated stone bearing megalithic art similar to that at Newgrange and Knowth (of Neolithic date c.3000 B.C.) has been found incorporated into part of an Early Historic souterrain currently being dismantled as part of the M3 archaeological works in the vicinity of the henge at Lismullin, in the Gabhra Valley, County Meath. The nearest example of megalithic art is to be found in the passage tomb of the Mound of the Hostages on the summit of the Hill of Tara and in terms of style this example also bears a remarkable similarity to that found in this monument. The decorated stone was noticed on Friday (30 November) by campaigners who took the accompanying photographs over the weekend. It exhibits a series of motifs commonly found in passage tomb contexts - concentric circles, nested arcs and zig-zags. It is likely this stone was robbed from a nearby passage tomb during the construction of the souterrain in the early centuries AD. Indeed, it has been suggested that the large mound in the grounds of LismullIn house may be that of a passage tomb. The promontory fort of Rath Lugh (under temporary preservation order) overlooks the henge (a declared national monument) and the souterrain complex that have been unearthed at Lismullin and the discovery of the stone is further evidence of the importance of this area and its continued use through the millennia of Irish history. The excavation of the henge and the souterrain continues and will probably be completed before Christmas. This will allow the NRA to begin the construction phase of the motorway in this delicate and sensitive area of the Gabhra Valley. The motorway will pass within 20/30m of the huge monument of Rath Lugh despite NRA assurances that it would be 110m away from it. The EU is taking Ireland to the European Court of Justice because of their ongoing breaches of various environmental directives in particularly in relation to Environmental Impact Statements. EU Environment Commissioner Dimas said in a recent press release:
"I am disappointed that Ireland has not accepted the Commission view that improvements are needed in its legislation on impact assessments in order to better safeguard, and give the public more say in decisions affecting, its rich archaeological heritage, and to better guarantee that industrial projects will be comprehensively assessed".
Save Tara campaigners are asking the EU and the Commissioner to take an injunction against the Irish Government to stop all attempts at construction in the short disputed section of the M3 in the GabhraValley until the ECJ has completed its deliberations on this case. Photographs available here:
http://service.gmx.net/de/cgi/derefer?TYPE=3&DEST=http%3A%2F%2Fs168.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fu167%2Fmuireanntemair%2FSouterrain%2520stone%25201%2520Dec%252007%2F

Please write to EU Commissioner Dimas

2007-11-17T12:17:00.000-08:00

In light of Kathy Sinnott's open letter below, please write to Commissioner Dimas, firstly thanking him for the great interest he has shown in Tara so far, and urging him to continue to do his utmost to prevent the Irish government from illegally destroying our priceless European and world heritage at Tara.
The Commissioner's email address is
stavros.dimas@ec.europa.eu

Mr Dimas is European Union Commissioner responsible for the environment.

With thanks,
Fionnuala Devlin,
Protect Tara International Campaign

Open letter from Kathy Sinnott, MEP

2007-11-17T12:11:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends,

I spoke with Commissioner Dimas today in relation to the ongoing destruction of Tara. He seemed surprised when I told him that the buldozers are active everyday. He said that to continue to destroy Tara would be "stupid" and that "the minister had told me...." He didn't finish that question but looked distressed.

I asked the Commissioner for an injunction to stop the destruction and that it would be too late if the case is pursued in the normal way. He told me that only yesterday he and the Commission had been discussing Tara and that he was dealing with the issue because he was embarrassed to think they would destroy an important heritage site. He promised that he will discuss Tara tomorrow.

He looked so genuinely upset that I kissed his hand.

Kathy

Kathy Sinnott, MEP for Ireland South.
Vice President Petitions Committee

Text of a parliamentary question to the European Commission by Kathy Sinnott MEP

2007-11-12T06:03:00.000-08:00

Nov. 9th 2007
Question Title: European Commission's injunction on desecration of historical monuments along M3.

Last June, the Commission sent a final warning to Ireland indicating that it had failed to adopt proper legislation to account for the Environmental Impact Assessment Directive (85/337/EEC) and was pursuing legal action. The case suggests that (1) Ireland's approach to decisions involving the removal of historic structures and archaeological monuments is in contravention of the directive and (2) that the weaknesses in Irish legislation splits decision-making between Irish planning authorities and Ireland's Environmental Protection Agency and result in outcomes not permitted by the directive. The Commission particularly cites the case of Lismullen, Co Meath in this warning.In late July, European Parliaments Petitions committee called for a halt on construction of the M3 motorway, pending a decision on the legality of the project. It was felt that at the very least, demolition of Tara should cease until a decision is reached. Currently in Ireland, demolition of historic and archaeological sites at Tara continues at a rapid pace and blatant disregard for European Community law and Commission warnings only intensifies. This destruction can even take place after dark in order to avoid investigation and further attention.
This is not in accordance with EU law and is also illegal according to the excavation contracts of those involved.We wish to know, (1) If the Commission can legally demand a temporary halt? If it is willing to do so? If so, when is the earliest it will impose such a halt?(2) If the Commission can not or will not impose a halt, what does the Commission hope to achieve through a court case, if the monuments will be long since destroyed by the time a judgement is passed?

Excellent new film about Tara

2007-11-11T00:22:00.000-08:00

Please be sure to see the short film -
"TARA: Voices from Our Past - a recent discovery."
A film by Maireid Sullivan.
http://www.globalartscollective.org/acf/about.htm

'Meath Master Plan' Press Release - Campaigners seek International support for new Tara motorway solution

2007-11-10T00:18:00.000-08:00

Sustainable and innovative economic and heritage plan provides way out for legal, environmental and archaeological Issues

A recently-launched breakthrough by promoters of sustainable development and archaeological and cultural heritage involved in the campaign to save the Tara-Skryne (Gabhra) Valley in Ireland represents a "win-win" solution for all sides, they say.

The Meath MASTER Plan - standing for Model Archaeological and Sustainable Economic Region - is an advanced development plan that would be a model for sustainable economic development in Ireland, would deliver a state-of-the-art transport network for County Meath, and would preserve and develop heritage in the region and facilitate greatly increased tourist activity.

The Plan solves the current legal issues around the controversial Tara M3 motorway, preserves the Tara Landscape, provides much-needed bypasses of the nearby towns of Dunshaughlin and Navan, cuts CO2 emissions and avoids any re-routing. It would also permit the designation of the region as a UNESCO World Heritage site, with all the economic and developmental benefits that this would bring.

A key element of the Plan is conversion of part of the "footprint" of the motorway to the "2+1" road format and the replacement of the section through the Tara-Skryne Valley with the 2+1 design on the parallel N3 primary road. These modifications would save substantial costs that would then be used to buy out the project's toll scheme and bring forward re-construction of a nearby rail link that has been delayed indefinitely due to competition from the double-tolled motorway.

Other sustainable transport features would include upgraded high-capacity and high-frequency coach services, and the environmental benefits of the transport element of the Plan have been estimated at € 114 million per annum.

The land within the Tara Valley purchased for the M3 would be held in state ownership and designated for heritage interpretation and protection. The extent of the World Heritage site area would also encompass the five major centres of Navan, Kells, Trim, Dunshaughlin and Slane, bringing a major tourist and economic dividend for the region, the promoters say.

The Meath MASTER Plan has been researched and developed by independent transport researcher Brian Guckian and environmental campaigner Tadhg Crowley, who have been involved in ongoing efforts to save the Tara-Skryne Valley. They stress that the development framework draws upon the ideas of local and national groups over the last number of years, as well as the very latest concepts in sustainable planning and development.

The campaigners have secured an upcoming meeting with the Irish Department of Transport and are now seeking additional international backing for the proposal from all parts of the political and public spectrum. "The Tara region in Ireland is greatly valued for its archaeological and cultural heritage internationally", they said. "We are reaching out to concerned people around the world and telling them that there is now an exciting and creative solution available that all sides can sign up to. We want people to study the Plan and to make Representations on it to the Irish government without delay".

Mr. Guckian and Mr. Crowley welcomed broad support for the project including endorsement from Hollywood actor Stuart Townsend and artist John Quigley, who were behind the recent spectacular aerial art event that featured an image of a huge symbolic Harp made by hundreds of people on the Hill of Tara.

The Plan has been circulated to Irish Premier Bertie Ahern and to most Irish government Ministers as it covers several different administrative portfolios. It has also been sent to Meath County Council and is available to the public online.

Campaign to Save Tara – Press release

2007-11-10T00:09:00.000-08:00

Campaign calls for an independent engineer’s report on Rath Lugh area

The Campaign to Save Tara is calling for an independent engineer’s report on the area where the M3 motorway is planned to pass by Rath Lugh. The Campaign has learned that, although Minister Gormley placed a preservation order on the monument in August 2007, the order does not include the esker that forms part of the foundation of Rath Lugh. The documents from the Department of the Environment received by Campaign to Save Tara include a map outlining the area of protection and shows clearly that the esker is not included.

As an esker is a geological feature formed of sand and gravel during the ice age, it is the most unstable of substances upon which to build a motorway. If the natural perimeter of an esker is breached it can result in a lowering of the water table. This will leave the surface so dry and barren that it will lead to the death of trees, soil slippage and the destabilisation of the entire surface.

The preservation order is thus inadequate, the boundaries surrounding the Rath are disputed and it is feared that alien substances may be necessary to prop up the monument if the foundation is taken away. Originally, the NRA maintained that the road would be 100metres away from the Rath but these documents from the Department of the Environment show that it could be as close as 8metres. The road shake from the motorway carriage will pose a serious threat to the stability of the esker and to the monument itself.

Expert archaeologists warned of the possible danger to Rath Lugh during the Oral Hearing but their words fell on deaf ears. The Campaign warned of the impending danger to the Rath in January when heavy machinery was used to fell trees in the area between Lismullin and Rath Lugh without archaeological supervision – where the henge was later discovered.

Muireann Ní Bhrolcháin said: ‘This is a defensive, promentary outpost of Tara marking the entrance to Tara’s landscape. It now obvious that it will be severely impacted by this route. The motorway must be rerouted to avoid Rath Lugh, the only way this can be achieved is to move the entire road out of the Gabhra Valley. There is no room for manoeuvre in this area due to the number of already existing and recognised monuments.The Campaign again asks that all construction work be stopped until the EU deals with the legality of this work in the European Court of Justice.’

The documents for the Department may be viewed here:
The order http://www.savetara.com/Download/Rath_Lugh_TPO.pdf
The map http://www.savetara.com/Download/TPO_Map.pdf
Aerial photograph 23 September shows clearly the proposed track of the
motorway:
http://s168.photobucket.com/albums/u167/muireanntemair/Rath%20Lugh%20Sept%2023%2007/

Tara's Spaghetti Hell

2007-10-22T07:07:00.000-07:00

Article from the Irish Mail on Sunday
21 October 2007.

A massive spaghetti style-junction – covering an area 10 times the size of Croke Park - is set to be built less thank 1km from the Hill of Tara.
The 52 acre interchange which will rank as one of the largest of its kind in the world for a road of the M3’s size, will be visible from outer-space. The interchange will comprise of two giant orbital roundabouts, flyovers, four slip roads and numerous other additional roadways. Located at Blundelstown, which is north of Tara, the facility will be illuminated by arc lights around the clock. The Hill of Tara which is a world heritage site, is considered internationally to be equal in importance to Egypt’s Pyramid Complex at Giza.
The proposed M3 motorway, running through the nearby valley, has already provoked huge controversy. However, the M3 interchange proposal which is only now becoming public knowledge, is set to be even more explosive Bizarrely, the National Roads Authority funded M3 Motorway website is now posting a reassurance from an anonymous gardener which reads:
‘It’s landscape architect who assessed the visual impact, stated that he considered the junction at Blundelstown would not visually impinge on the sensitive landscape setting, or surrounding national monument.’
The EU have now taken an interest in the site. In a damning report which has just been released, the high powered Petitions Committee, who earlier this summer visited Meath, have launched a blistering attack on the Government over the wholesale destruction they are wreaking at Tara. The report states:
“It is concerned as to why it has been deemed necessary to build one of the largest M3 intersections at this most vulnerable location (Tara Hill) in terms of Ireland’s national heritage, which destroys forever the intact archaeological landscape of the area.”
“The delegation is perplexed by the choice of the route and by the damage done to the integrity of the many sites in the Tara area and the Gabhra area which have been vividly drawn to our attention.”
The Petitions Committee also went on to recommend that the current project should be scrapped altogether and a new route found:
“This motivates a clear call by this committee for a substantial review of the M3, and for less intrusive alternative routes which should safeguard this area for the Irish nation.”
The Committee also drew attention to ‘the damage done to the integrity of the many sites in the Tara area and the Gabhra Valley.’
Of particular note, were sites located at Roestown, Baronstown, Collierstown and Dowdtown: Originally it was thought that there were only five monuments along the M3 route through Tara, that figure has now risen to forty potential sites, and growing weekly:
“The danger is that service stations, warehouses, car showrooms and all sorts of undesirable buildings will end up cropping up all over the M3, it is inevitable and Tara could end up looking like a stretch of the Naas Road. And you know what that’s like? ” explains Ben Murphy a civil engineer who lives close to Tara.
Already work on the interchange may have to be delayed indefinitely, after a new national monuments was discovered earlier this week on the Soldiers Hill side of the Blundelstown Interchange site:
“The site which has just been discovered is intact, and we are getting reports that it is an ancient field system or it could be a ring fort. The bulldozers were poised to demolish it until word got out, said Vincent Salafia of TaraWatch.
When the National Roads Authority was asked why they were locating an interchange ten times bigger than Croke Park at Tara of all places, the publicly funded roads authority refused to comment.

EU to take action over handling of Tara route for M3

2007-10-22T06:55:00.000-07:00

The Irish Times
Wednesday, October 17, 2007, by Jamie Smyth in Brussels

The European Commission is expected to begin legal action against the Government today over the manner in which it has proceeded to build the M3 motorway near the Hill of Tara.
The decision will provide a boost to campaigners who are trying to force Minister for the Environment John Gormley to consider re-routing the motorway.
The legal move is not expected to halt the construction of the road, but it will force the Government to defend its position at Europe's highest court, a process that could eventually lead to the imposition of fines if it loses the case.
Environment commissioner Stavros Dimas will tell his commissioner colleagues at a meeting in Brussels today that the National Monuments Act in the Republic does not offer enough protection for important archaeological sites. He will also highlight alleged weaknesses in Irish law that split decision-making between Irish planning authorities and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for industrial projects. He cites the Government's action at the Hill of Tara as a prime example of how it fails to conform to EU law. In a draft decision, which requires the approval of commissioners before taking effect, Mr Dimas refers Ireland to the European Court of Justice (ECJ) over these shortcomings.
"The commission considers Ireland's approach to decisions involving the destruction or removal of historic structures and archaeological monuments to be in contravention of the directive," says an explanatory note on the decision seen by The Irish Times.
The relevant EU directive says there must be a proper assessment of the effects of certain public and private projects on the environment. The commission believes a decision not to order a second environmental impact assessment when a potentially significant archaeological site was discovered at Lismullen, close to Tara, was "in contravention of the directive".
"Because the prehistoric site was only identified in 2007, its significance could not be taken into account in a 2003 assessment of the motorway project," says the commission's explanatory note.
Despite the EU executive's concerns, in June the Government ordered that the Lismullen site be excavated without a second environmental impact assessment. It said no delay was possible due to the fragile nature of the site.
But campaigners hoping the commission would intervene directly to force the Government to halt construction of the M3 may be disappointed. The draft commission decision refers only to weaknesses in Irish legislation and does not question the Government's choice of route for the M3. Neither does it seek any kind of court injunction that would force the Government to stop work on the motorway.
The Government has argued that the motorway is a vital piece of national infrastructure and choosing an alternative route for the M3 would cause delays and cost up to €200 million extra.
Campaigners have fought a vocal campaign against the motorway, which they claim will spoil the Hill of Tara for future generations.
The commission document claims that when decisions are being taken on proposed incinerators and other industrial projects, "Irish rules do not guarantee that interactions such as those between pollution-control measures and the landscape will be adequately assessed and taken into account. There are risks that outcomes required by the directive will not always be achieved," it concludes.
The commission decision to start legal action will force the Government to defend its position at the ECJ in Luxembourg. If it loses the legal case and does not amend its laws to conform with the relevant EU directive, it could eventually face heavy fines. Ireland currently faces 37 infringement proceedings for breaching environmental directives.

Minister places preservation order on Rath Lugh

2007-10-01T11:58:00.000-07:00

Campaign to Save Tara – Press release

The Campaign to Save Tara welcomes the decision of Minister John Gormley to place a preservation order on Rath Lugh in the Gabhra Valley at Tara. Rath Lugh is a defensive, promentary outpost of Tara and will be severely impacted by the proposed route of the M3. The Campaign had warned of the impending danger to the Rath in January when heavy machinery was used to fell trees in the area between Lismullin and Rath Lugh – before the NRA discovered that there was a national monument there. This made visible the track of the motorway and its proximity to the huge monument. The NRA were warned during the Oral Hearing of the possible danger to the Rath.

The area under Rath Lugh is an esker consisting of sand and gravel formed in the ice age, a very unstable substance on which to build such a road.

Originally, the NRA maintained that the road would be 100metres away from the Rath but recent surveys and work done by the NRA show that it will be within 20metres – posing a serious threat to the stability of the monument and the esker.

This development shows that the claims of those opposed to this route were correct. There should never have been an attempt to drive a motorway through this incredibly sensitive archaeological area – Tara’s landscape.

M. Ni Bhrolcháin said: ‘The support for the Campaign is growing – this was clearly demonstrated at the recent equinox event when 1,500 people gathered to form a huge human harp on Tara for the international artist, John Quigley. With climate change a frightening reality, it is madness to persist in building motorways instead of public transport.’

Video

2007-09-30T00:40:00.000-07:00

Check out this wonderful video showing the harpers protest and the aerial art event over Tara.
Video by Mark Cantwell.
http://www.itison.tv/tara.html

People power combines art protest and politics.

2007-09-24T12:35:00.001-07:00

Picture and article by Paula Geraghty, taken from indymedia.ie

Over 1500 people from across Ireland and beyond, gathered at the Hill of Tara to take part in a living human sculpture to call for the rerouting of the M3 away from the Tara Valley.

It was magical, yes, driving up to Tara and getting stuck in an unforgiving traffic jam, to photograph a very special moment where over 1500 gathered to tell John Gormley and Bertie Ahern, to reroute the M3. The event was to start at 3pm, but hundreds were there 2 hours in advance. French, English, Irish and other unknown tongues wafted in the flurry of excitement as people examined their tickets discussing which letter in the living protest they would be. One child's birthday present was participating in the living sculpture.

When the helicopter arrived, all bets were off as hundreds rushed to see it land. One woman with a child on her back ran in vain after another two shouting "don't go near the blades!" There were plenty of stewards holding back the tide of incredibly keen onlookers.

On the ground there was a great leap of faith as to what would emerge from their choreographed contortions. From the air ,the voice of Ireland spoke out: moving, twitching, questioning and resisting the policy of Fianna Fail/Possessive Democrats/Green Party and big business interests. The issue of the M3 is not dead. It is very much alive. The battle is not over!

PRESS RELEASE – CAMPAIGN TO SAVE TARA

2007-09-21T00:58:00.000-07:00

Tara celebration equinox weekend – Harpers of Ireland at Dáil
form a giant harp on Tara with Stuart Townsend and Jonathan Rhys Meyers

The people of Ireland have two opportunities to protest for Tara’s landscape in a peaceful, productive and pleasant way this weekend.
On Saturday 22nd September 2007 at 3 p.m. harpers of Ireland will gather at Dáil Éireann to demonstrate publicly the strength of their opposition to the current destruction of historic, cultural sites at the Tara/Skryne Valley. The harpers will assemble with their harps along Kildare Street and call on the government to implement alternatives to the continued destruction that is taking place.The speakers include Kathy Sinnott MEP, actor Stuart Townsend, Paddy Moloney of the Chieftains, campaigner Dr Muireann Ní Bhrolcháin, harper Anne-Marie O’Farrell and introduced by Laoise Kelly harper. Massed harpers will perform The Harp that Once Through Tara’s Halls along with other harp pieces to include Brian Boru’s March, An Ghaoth Aneas, and Carolan’s Concerto. Petitions will be available for signing and will be submitted to Minister for the environment John Gormley the following Monday.

On Sunday 23rd September hundreds of people will gather at the Hill of Tara to celebrate our shared heritage and create the world’s first GIANT HUMAN HARP.
People are asked to gather from 1.30pm to form the harp and the message SAVE TARA VALLEY. This event will be directed by the internationally renowned Aerial artist John Quigley and will include Irish-born film stars Stuart Townsend and Jonathan Rhys Meyers. The image will be photographed from an aircraft. Participants are asked to wear white clothing and to bring rain gear. Mr. Quigley has created similar human 'aerial art' images all over the world including the Artic, the Amazon rain forest and Antarctica where 35 people spelt out SOS. The public are
asked to leave the Hill as they find it: “Take nothing but memories - leave nothing but footprints.”
To see images visit http://www.spectralq.com/

Ireland is unique in having a musical instrument, the harp, as its national emblem. This indicates the primacy of the harp in Irish culture. The sites currently under threat are inextricably linked with the harping and bardic traditions for more than 2,500 years. The harp has been used in the coat of arms of Ireland since 1270 and is the symbol of the Irish State today. It is found in the seals of the President, Taoiseach, Tánaiste, Government Ministers, on State currency and is the insignia of the Irish Law Courts.It is an outrage that the Irish people should be forced to choose
between infrastructure and heritage. As a country we are embarrassed internationally by profit-driven, shortsighted planning as exemplified by the fact that the World Monument Fund has placed Tara on its list of 100 most endangered sites worldwide.This would not only be an archaeological and historical loss but it is also a spiritual loss - before the conversion by St Patrick of Ireland’s High Kings it was a place where the Irish sought to express their spirituality. And significantly for us as a nation, it was the place of birth of Christianity in Ireland.
The gathering of harpers says that it is also a musical and cultural loss and asserts that the sound of Tara’s harp will not be drowned by traffic jams and the cash registers of toll plazas.
On Saturday 22nd September there will a similar Tara demonstration at 11am at the Consulate General of Ireland 345 Park Avenue between 51st and 52nd, New York. The internationally renowned poet, Paul Muldoon, will speak.
Contact Susan McKeown savetarany@yahoo.com
www.myspace.com/TaraHarpersNY
Another demonstration will take place at 2.30-5.30pm Martin Luther King
Auditorium, Santa Monica.
See details at : www.cmh2.com/savetara-la . For more info Contact Karin
Wilson, event coordination email: kw@cmh2.com

Further information on Harper event from www.myspace.com/TaraHarpers

Diggers close to the new national monument of Lismullin

2007-09-13T02:03:00.000-07:00

Statement from – Campaign to Save Tara

The Campaign to Save Tara has learned that there is an attempt at construction by the NRA at Rath Lugh and Lismullin on the route of the M3.

This afternoon, diggers and lorries moved in at both ends of the new national monument and at Rath Lugh, a promentary fort and outpost of the Tara landscape. There are attempts being made to re-route the Gabhra River. Protesters have stopped the work by mounting the diggers. It is reported that the machines are within 50 metres of the national monument.

This is happening as the Petitions Committee is to meet tomorrow (13th September) and as the Government is due to respond to the EU’s reasoned opinion (final warning). The EU maintains that the Irish Government should have carried out another Environmental Impact Assessment when the new monument was discovered. This was not done.

The NRA and the Department of Transport are acting in advance of what may happen in Europe. Ireland cannot cherry pick the EU laws that they wish to adhere to. There is a history of such premature activity in the past as when trees were cut down in the dark in January. The monument at Baronstown was destroyed in the middle of the night in July just before documents released by Minister Gormley revealed that Dr Pat Wallace of the National Museum believed that it was as important as the monument at Lismullin.

Public Launch of Meath Sustainable Development Plan

2007-09-10T10:18:00.000-07:00

THE new Meath MASTER Plan is to be presented to the Public at a special presentation at Dalgan Park, Navan, on Thursday September 20th at 8pm.

The MASTER Plan (standing for Model Archaeological and Sustainable Economic Region) is intended to help Meath become a model for Ireland and the rest of Europe in sustainable practices and development in the energy, housing, tourism, heritage, transport and business development sectors.

The Plan is an integrated development framework that seeks to introduce sustainable techniques and practices into these sectors over a 5 to 7 year timeframe. It includes a compromise transport solution that preserves the Tara-Skryne (Gabhra) Valley and creates balance in the transport sector by spreading journey numbers more equally between road, rail and bus modes, giving commuters multiple and easily accessible options for their journeys.

The Plan includes upgraded coach services and a rail link servicing the key growing towns of Ashbourne, Ratoath, Dunshaughlin, Navan and Kells. It also converts the M3 to a toll-free format while modifying part of the road footprint to a smaller 2+1 design, with traffic figures cut by up to two-thirds. This would also make it possible to protect the unique heritage of the Tara Landscape.

Its promoters, environmental campaigner Tadhg Crowley and transport researcher Brian Guckian, emphasise that the project could be delivered ahead of the current M3 completion date, and that it solves the current EU legal issues regarding the controversial motorway scheme.

The Plan further facilitates the creation of a Meath UNESCO World Heritage Park, showcasing Meath's unique and world-renowned heritage attractions whilst also implementing best practice sustainable techniques as a tourism attraction and a business development training hub.

Mr. Crowley and Mr. Guckian stated they were excited about the possibilities of the Plan and the opportunity it presented for the sustainable economic development of Meath, and for a significantly improved quality of life for its residents and their future generations.

Full local, national and international support is being sought for the initiative, and the Presentation at Dalgan Park will be open to all, whether for or against the current M3 motorway scheme.

Press Release by Campaign to Save Tara

2007-09-06T01:16:00.000-07:00

Irish Government dismisses European concerns on Tara and the M3

The Irish Government’s dismissal of European concerns regarding the construction of the M3 motorway at Tara in Co. Meath was condemned by the Save Tara Campaign today. The campaign maintains that in not agreeing to revisit the route of the motorway the Government is seriously misjudging the EU Commission’s determination to make member states abide by European Law. The current Commission has been very proactive in prosecuting members States who flout environmental directives.
Dr. Muireann Ni Bhrolcháin said today; ‘This communication shows the contempt and arrogance of this Government when it comes to environmental concerns. The EU recognize the importance of the Tara landscape, the people of Ireland also recognize this. Yet this government continues to put sectoral interests above those of the common good. The protests will continue along the proposed road construction, the lobbying will continue and efforts to have case reopened by the courts at domestic and European level will intensify.’
Michael Canney, the named litigant in the current High Court summons about the M3 commented today; ‘We owe our current prosperity in large part to the largesse of our European neighbors, particularly the Maastricht billions. How dare the Government turn around now and refuse to abide by European Environmental Law. But it is quite typical of this Government to cherry pick certain legislation. It appears we are still closer to Boston than Berlin, despite the Greens being in Government. The Save Tara Campaign is determined, through the current High Court proceedings, to force the adoption of progressive EU environmental legislation into Irish law. The fact that we have to drag the Government kicking and screaming to accept this is a disgrace.’
In a related development, the cases again the Tara Ten were adjourned in Navan Court. The next court appearance will happen on October 24th at 10.30am.

HARPERS OF IRELAND PROTEST TO SAVE TARA

2007-09-06T01:05:00.000-07:00

On Saturday 22nd September 2007 at 3 p.m. the harpers of Ireland will gather at Dáil Éireann to demonstrate publicly the strength of their opposition to the destruction of historic cultural sites at the Tara/Skryne Valley as a result of the current route of the M3 motorway. The harpers will assemble with their harps along Kildare Street, and will submit a petition to Minister John Gormley insisting he implement alternatives to the continued destruction which is taking place.
Ireland is unique in having a musical instrument, the harp, as its national emblem. This indicates the primacy of the harp in Irish culture. The sites currently under threat are inextricably linked with the harping and bardic traditions for more than 2,500 years.
Tara was the gathering place for thousands of harpers to 142 kings, and the harp was an integral part of the ancient Irish parliament at Tara. The harp has been used in the coat of arms of Ireland since 1270 and is the symbol of the Irish State today. It is found in the seals of the
President, Taoiseach, Tánaiste, Government Ministers, on State currency and is the insignia of the Irish Law Courts. It is an outrage that the Irish people should be forced to choose between infrastructure and heritage. As a country we are embarrassed internationally by profit-driven, shortsighted planning as exemplified by the fact that World Monument Fund has placed Tara on its list of 100 most endangered sites worldwide.
Many can rightly point out that it would be an archaeological loss, and a historical one. It is also a spiritual loss, since even before the conversion by St Patrick of Ireland’s High Kings it was a place where the Irish sought to express their spirituality. And significantly for us as a nation, it was the place of birth of Christianity in Ireland. The gathering of harpers says that it is also a musical and cultural loss and asserts that the sound of Tara’s harp will not be drowned by traffic jams and the cash registers of toll plazas.
Further information from www.myspace.com/TaraHarpers

Video clip

2007-07-24T22:29:00.000-07:00

A new video clip of the protests at Tara, taken on the day when seven people were arrested.

http://www.livevideo.com/video/635BCF96F77943F6B6FFD1A52A9F0445/solders-hill-tara-18july07.aspx?m_tkc=5966246

Statement from the Tara Four Prisoners

2007-07-22T11:02:00.000-07:00

Statement from the Tara Four Prisoners: intended to be read out publicly.
Sent on their behalf.

"We consider the proposal to build a four-lane motorway, including a massive interchange, within 1200mts of the Hill of Tara to be a crime against the culture, heritage and history of our people. The Tara landscape is an area of unparalleled and irreplaceable importance to all the people of this island.

These foolish, greedy men with political power and corrupt influence, who would inflict this wound on the most important symbol of our civilization and identity, will be damned by their actions.

That they would wilfully ignore the will of the people of this island and attempt to proceed with this plunder says much about the health of our democracy and of our society.

That those who peacefully resist this desecration and illegality should be locked up as common criminals is a testament to the potency and importance of this struggle. And to how much those in power fear it.

We call on all people of goodwill, all people who value ideals not measured in monetary terms, all people who know that after this rapacious greed has passed we will be left with nothing but our heritage and identity upon which to rebuild, we call on all of you to stand with us.

We call on all politicians, north and south for their active support to Save Tara Valley.

To make a stand now for beauty and truth, against greed and corruption, to stand shoulder to shoulder in defence of Tara."

Open letter sent to Irish Minister John Gormley, by Kathy Sinnott MEP

2007-07-22T10:52:00.000-07:00

Open letter sent to Irish Minister for Environment and Heritage, John Gormley, by Kathy Sinnott Irish Member of the European Parliament. Minister Gormley is a leader of the Irish Green Party, and is the minister responsible for all decisions on Tara.

Dear John Gormley
TD,
20/07/07

At our meeting on Wednesday 27th June, you told the petitions committee that you would make the entire Tara file public. I as vice president of the committee and my fellow members have been waiting to receive a copy, but as yet you have not provided one.

When do you intend to do this? Had it been done sooner we would have known that the government has been put on notice by the European Commission that the Environmental Impact Assessment for the whole M3 project is no longer valid thus making it unlawful.

Further, the European Commission has informed you it is challenging the National Monuments Act on which the continuation of the M3 project in its present route is based. Had you opened the file as promised and in a timely manner rather than leaving me to unearth the truth only recently, the public would have discovered that the government is in the European Court of Justice this autumn over the current illegality of the M3 project and clearly road works should be halted until the ECJ makes its ruling. The NRA would also have been unable to claim ignorance of the illegality of the project as they are currently doing.

With this in mind, I must demand that you open the entire Tara/M3 file to the public as promised and that you do so now. In the interest of the transparency and dedication to our environment we all hoped your party would bring to this government, I insist that you release the Tara/M3 file to the public, the petitions committee and to me.

Tara is a treasure which cannot be replaced, I would have hoped that you would move heaven and earth to preserve it. If you are willing to sacrifice Tara, what hope have we of preserving anything else?

Yours in hope

*Kathy Sinnott MEP*

Tara video

2007-07-20T07:25:00.000-07:00

Please watch the video about Tara and the daily protests taking place there.
Without the courage of the protesters blocking the heavy construction machinery, many more archaeological sites would have been bulldozed through and destroyed in the Tara valley. The protesters have been, and are, the front line in keeping Tara safe.
They are urgently calling for support in whatever way people can help. Support is particularly important now as four long term campaigners have been arrested this week while protesting and are now sitting in jail.

Without the courage and stamina of the protesters, Tara would be lost.

The video is on youtube and the link is:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vliZK6pwI8w

SIX ENVIROMENTAL PROTESTERS ARRESTED AT M3 SITES

2007-07-18T12:52:00.000-07:00

Press release from CAMPAIGN TO SAVE TARA

Six conservationists were arrested this morning at the site of the proposed M3 motorway in the Tara/Skryne Valley. Among those arrested was Dr. Muireann Ni Bhrolchain, one of the spokespersons of the Save Tara Campaign. The arrests were made at the site of the proposed Blundlestown interchange within 1km of the top of the Hill of Tara. The trouble was sparked when construction workers from the SIAC/Ferrovial conglomerate attempted to set up a new depot in the middle of the Valley.
A number of the protesters were injured when security contractors dragged them away from machinery. The Gardai at the sites did nothing to protect the peaceful protesters from being assaulted. The Save Tara campaign denies the allegations that it blocked traffic today on the M3.
Donagh Maguire, one of those present said:
'What happened today was that we blocked access to work sites, when this happens SIAC/Ferrovial know how to present us in the maximum nagative light - they simply switch off their engines and block the public road. How can this be legal, why are the Guards not doing anything about this?'
According to Dr. Ni Bhrolchain, ‘Only last week the EU declared work on the M3 to be illegal and it is deeply ironic that peaceful heritage and environmental campaigners are now being arrested for simply pointing out the illegality of what is going on. We now have a situation whereby our Gardai, instead of enforcing the law, are actually arresting people for trying to halt an illegal
activity.’
The protesters have been demanding that all work stop in the Valley section of the route until a full, independent archaeological assessment of the proposed route is undertaken. In addition the EU issued an unprecedented warning to the Irish Government that the road scheme requires a new Environmental Impact Assessment following the discovery of a National Monument at Lisullen, directly in the path of the proposed motorway.
The EU claims that this new discovery constitutes a ‘material change in circumstance’ and therefore a new assessment must be carried out before workcan legally continue. Minister for Environment, John Gormley had previously stated that it was just such a change in circumstance that was required for him to review the route.
Michael Canney of the Save Tara campaign said today; ‘How can the minister say one week that what he requires is a ‘material change in circumstance’ and stand back the following week and claim that he can still do nothing when the EU clearly says that such a change has in fact occurred. Why has the Minister made no effort whatsoever to implement EU environmental legislation and do something to avert the environmental and heritage disaster that is this proposed road?’

Protesters arrested protecting Tara

2007-07-18T12:30:00.000-07:00

18 July 2007

Photographs taken by Laura Grealish of TaraWatch show construction workers assaulting demonstrators this afternoon at Soldier Hill, on the Hill of Tara.

From TARAWATCH pressrelease

2007-07-18T11:37:00.000-07:00

Irish Times - Wed, 18 July 2007

Jamie Smyth in Brussels

Campaigners protesting against the route of the M3 motorway near the Hill of Tara are to hold a “Love Tara” march and demonstration in Dublin on Saturday.

TaraWatch will hand in a petition with 50,000 signatures calling on Taoiseach Bertie Ahern and Minister for the Environment John Gormley to reroute the M3 motorway away from the Tara archaeological complex.

Meanwhile, campaigners in Brussels presented a petition, signed online by 12,000 people, calling for a halt to work on the site, to EU and Irish officials yesterday. The petition asks the Taoiseach to intervene personally to choose an alternative route for the motorway.

Fionnuala Devlin, spokeswoman for Protect the Tara International Campaign, said people throughout Europe thought the Government was acting “like the Taliban” by destroying part of its unique archaeological heritage.

“Most of the people who signed the petition are from Germany. But we also have people from Ireland, the US, England Australia and other countries,” said Ms Devlin, who has co-ordinated an international campaign to save the Hill of Tara from the proposed route of the M3.

She presented the petition to the Irish Embassy and the Irish permanent representative office to the EU in Brussels. She also presented it to the petitions committee in the European Parliament and to the commission’s environmental directorate. MEPs on the petitions committee have agreed to send an urgent letter to Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas requesting that he intervene to immediately halt any further work on the site of the M3.

Mr Dimas has already written to the Irish Government warning that aspects of the planned motorway, just one kilometre from the Hill of Tara, could be in breach of EU law.

Munster MEP Kathy Sinnott, who attended the petitions committee meeting, said MEPs had also agreed to write to Mr Gormley, Mr Dimas and the chair of Meath County Council to have any further work halted.

Ms Sinnott said she hoped the presentation of the signatures would convince the Government “that Tara is a historical and valuable area that extends beyond our shores”.

Vincent Salafia, one of the organisers of the Dublin parade said he hoped the protest would be peaceful.

Marchers will gather at 12.30 at the Garden of Remembrance and march up O’Connell Street to the Department of the Environment at Custom House Quay.

Mr Salafia said more than 10,000 of the signatures were taken in the last week alone, which he claimed was evidence of a turning point in the debate following the recent intervention by the EU Commission.

Laura Grealish of TaraWatch said: “We want to compel a political solution, rather than being forced to go to court.”