Protect Tara

[Mikey_C]

Just found this:

http://www.protect-tara.org

Tara, an essential part of Irish and European heritage, is in very great danger. The Irish Government is planning a four-lane motorway only 1 km from the actual hill, with a 25 acre floodlit (10 hectares) intersection only 1.5km away. Full construction work is scheduled to begin at the end of 2005. All archaeological and historical evidence shows that Tara throughout time has been inseparable from the land around it. Tara is constituted by its surrounding landscape, not just the hill. Leading archaeologists say that the entire Tara landscape should by rights be declared a World Heritage Site.

There's a petition to sign and various suggestions for action. I haven't been to Tara yet, but I find this suggestion appalling. Has the Irish government no respect for their nation's heritage? (and for our world heritage!) :x

[silverhand]

Re: Protect Tara

Just found this:

http://www.protect-tara.org

Tara, an essential part of Irish and European heritage, is in very great danger. The Irish Government is planning a four-lane motorway only 1 km from the actual hill, with a 25 acre floodlit (10 hectares) intersection only 1.5km away. Full construction work is scheduled to begin at the end of 2005. All archaeological and historical evidence shows that Tara throughout time has been inseparable from the land around it. Tara is constituted by its surrounding landscape, not just the hill. Leading archaeologists say that the entire Tara landscape should by rights be declared a World Heritage Site.

There's a petition to sign and various suggestions for action. I haven't been to Tara yet, but I find this suggestion appalling. Has the Irish government no respect for their nation's heritage? (and for our world heritage!) :x

If you want to see what the Irish government cares about heritage just look at the Wood Quay developement in Dublin. Despite vociferous protest by Irish citizens they went ahead & built the new city council offices on the banks of the Liffey, obliterating the remains of not only the largest Viking settlement outside Scandinavia but the original settlement of Viking Dublin.

[Mikey_C]

April 2005

On March 30th Dick Roche, the Irish government Minister for Heritage and the Environment, gave his approval for the M3 motorway to be built through the Tara landscape. However, after strong reaction from the Irish press, he has since toned down his statement, and it looks like there is a period of a few weeks where he will be gauging public opinion and the strength of the opposition to the motorway plans. Opposition has been increasing from all sides. It is vital to keep pressure on him now and to show the depth of protest to destroying the 5000 year old Tara landscape. Please write to him, even a few lines, protesting the decision to permit the motorway, and demand that he choose another motorway route instead. Tara must be kept safe. This is the last �window of opportunity’ before the procedures for building the motorway are set in motion. Please act now on Tara’s behalf and take the trouble to write a letter.

Address letters to:
The Minister for the Environment, and Heritage
Dick Roche
Customs House
Dublin 1.
Ireland

Minister’s Department Telephone: 00353 1 888 2000 - A quick call won’t cost must, just to voice your protest.

http://www.protect-tara.org/update_en.html

Looks like now is a critical time to save this vital piece of heritage...