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Planning permissions in Gabhra Valley begin

category meath | environment | press release author Monday July 10, 2006 13:36author by Muireann Ni Bhrolchain - Save Taraauthor email muireann at savetara dot comauthor address Kildareauthor phone 087-9249510 Report this post to the editors

Minister Roche promised

Despite Minister Roche's assurances, the planning permissions are beginning in the Gabhra Valley, right in the middle beside the proposed interchange. Who said the Valley would not be swallowed up by development and the road hasn't even started yet.
Everyone can object to this.
The peaceful river Gabhra
The peaceful river Gabhra

(This is much more important than who said what where and when)
Object to planing application no. NA 60204 and the deadline for submissions is 14 July, €20 to accompany.
Meath County Council, Planning Section, Planning
Authority, County Hall, Railway St, Navan, Co Meath.

(Photos available on the yahoo site.)

The location of this application is on land that is zoned 'land
improvement'. The application is for a Waste Recycling Facility at
Garlow Cross, Philpotstown, right at the interchange and right beside
the historic Gabhra River, right in the valley itself. It is located
beside Dillon's bridge and only 1525m from Tara.

It says: 'It is only proposed to recycle construction and demolition
waste, as was indicated above, on the land at Garlow Cross.' It also
states that it is 100metres away from the N3.

Roche said: ‘as a statutory consultee on individual planning applications he intends ensuring that heritage protection remains a priority in this area.’ (press release 13/05/05) when he gave directions last hear.

What will it recycle? The archaeological remains of our ancestors and our history? So much for his aim ‘to protect the rural character, setting and archaeological heritage of the landscape in the vicinity of Tara and the new motorway’. (press release 13/05/05)

The following advice from Julitta Clancy:
Obvious grounds are (1) location in Tara hinterland, (2) Minister's
Directions of 11 May 2005 re protection of the "rural character, setting and
archaeological heritage of the landscape in the vicinity of Tara”, (3) new
MCC Draft Development plan objectives listing such protection as a key
objective, and 4) technical deficiencies in the application itself.

You might also note the item in last week's chronicle re the NRA seeking
people to develop service stations along motorways and mentioning the
Blundelstown Interchange as one such location. There is a need to write to
the Minister re this as it would seem to be in flagrant contradiction of his
wish to protect this area from inappropriate development (despite the damage
done by the M3)

It could also be pointed out, on a separate aspect relating to transport,
that many commuters are now availing of the N2 and M2 as a means of
travelling from Navan and other places north of Dunshaughlin into Dublin and
out again. This is due to the road works at Dunshaughlin and the huge
additional congestion between Fairyhouse and Blanchardstown due to the
closure of the Clonee to Dunboyne Road. This is in the area where the M3
will join the N3 and if the closure of one side road is making such an
impact what will the M3 extra traffic do here? Many people will go for the
toll free M2 as a means of getting onto and off the M50. At any rate,
without a train service to Navan and beyond, all this will be worse in the
future.

Related Link: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/savetara/

Close to the Waste recycling application
Close to the Waste recycling application

author by Muireann Ni Bhrolchain - Save Tarapublication date Wed Aug 09, 2006 00:25author email muireann at savetara dot comauthor address author phone 087-9249510Report this post to the editors

Hi all,

The planning application by Cathal McCarthy for a recycling plant at Philpotstown has been lodged again. So those people who made an objection an who had it returned should resubmit. The closing date is August 16th. Make sure to change the date of the application.
Sorry for the short notice. Life took an unpleasant turn over a week ago and I have been more than a little distracted.
This is the objection that I made the last time: people are free to use it and move it around it as much as you like.
I'm not qualified to address the nitty-gritty of the application but you could mention noise, dirt, lorries - the usual problems that would be associated with a recycling plant that deals with building material.
The original message at the top of this thread was accompanied by photographs of the area in question.
Check out NUIG's site: http://www.nuigalway.ie/archaeology/Tara_M3.html.
Wonderful aerial photos etc. there thanks to Joe Fenwick of the Archaeology Dept and who
///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
58, Laurence Avenue,
Maynooth,
Co Kildare.

A chara,
I wish to lodge an objection to the Planning Application No. NA60204 made on behalf of JMP Construction on the land at Philpotstown, Garlow Cross, Navan, County Meath. This is land that has already got planning permission for ‘land improvement’.

This type of development is entirely unsuitable and inappropriate for such a rural and culturally rich area. I wish to object on the following grounds:

(i) Archaeological/historical
This application is located in the heart of the Gabhra Valley between the two hills of Tara and Skryne that constitutes Tara’s hinterland. It is only 1525m from the Hill of Tara and it will permanently degrade the archaeological landscape of the area adjacent to the Gabhra River itself in the area of Dillon’s Bridge School. This Valley is recognized as an area of high archaeological importance lying as it does at the very foot of the hill and it is part of the extended landscape of Tara. The proposed site for the recycling facility lies immediately adjacent to the proposed M3-N3 motorway interchange at Blundelstown / Castletown Tara at the foot of the Hill of Tara.
This is part of the very area that has been recognized by various reports provided to Meath County Council as being of the highest archaeological significance and sensitivity and should be treated with the greatest care.
In 2000 the NRA commissioned Route Selection Report by Halcrow Barry said about this area in relation to the chosen route of the motorway that is approximately 100m away from the proposed site:
“The effect of this route on the Hill of Tara and on its outlying monuments is profound and would have severe implications from an archaeological perspective. It is unlikely that cost-effective proposals to meet the mitigation requirements could be supported for this route in this area”. (pp 44-5)
“This combination of routes is perhaps that which comes closest to the largest number of known archaeological sites”. (p 46)
In 2000 the NRA commissioned report from Margaret Gowen’s archaeological company says:
“The monuments around Tara cannot be viewed in isolation, or as individual sites, but must be seen in the context of an intact archaeological landscape, which should not under any circumstances be disturbed, in terms of visual or direct impact on the monuments themselves”.
And again: “No mitigation would remove the effects of this route on the Hill of Tara or on its outlying monuments. It would have extremely severe implications from an archaeological perspective”.
As the proposed site for this development lies so close to the Blundelstown interchange, the closest point at which the M3 would come to Tara, this advice must be taken on board when considering this application.

(ii) Contradiction of Minister Roche’s directions
This development directly contradicts the directions that were given by Minister Roche when he allowed the archaeological excavations to go ahead on May 11th 2005. As part of those directions he said that he intended to protect the
‘as a statutory consultee on individual planning applications he intends ensuring that heritage protection remains a priority in this area.’ (press release 13/05/05)
In regard to the concerns about the interchange the Minister said:

’The Minister also raised with the NRA the general visual impact of the
interchange. The NRA has responded with details of an extensive
landscaping scheme using a combination of extensive, mainly indigenous,
woodland areas and earth bunds aimed at better integrating the
interchange into the surroundings.
A further issue of concern related to how any future development would
be controlled on the lands between the proposed road and the existing
N3.’
This is precisely the area in which this completely inappropriate development is to be located. The Minister also said that his Department would engage with Meath County Council to ensure that:
’appropriate policy objectives are contained in the new development plan, currently in preparation, to protect the rural character, setting and archaeological heritage of the landscape in the vicinity of Tara and the new motorway.’

(iii) This proposal breaches the Meath County Council Draft Development Plan
As the new Meath County Council Draft Development Plan lists protection of such areas among its key objectives, this development will breach these objectives. The Minister again addressed this issue and stated the he would:
’consider using his statutory powers under the Planning
Act 2000 to direct the Council amend their development plan’.
If this application is permitted it will both breach the instructions given by the Minister and open the way for ribbon development of the type that Minister Roche assured the public would not happen.

Here are the application numbers and addresses again: you need to object to both. The same objection will do for both. T

The first objection to
1. Meath County Council,
Planning Section,
Planning Authority,
County Hall,
Railway St.,
Navan,
Co Meath
This is against the application no. NA60204 and MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY €20 OTHERWISE IT WILL CONSIDERED INVALID.

The second to
2. Meath County Council
Environment Section
County Hall,
Railway St.
Navan
Co Meath
This is against the application no. WMP2006-20. This does not require a fee.

Related Link: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/savetara/
author by frustrateepublication date Sat Jul 15, 2006 06:50author address author phone Report this post to the editors

Equally Frustrated why are YOU dismissing these people as mere hippies?
not everyone is trapped in the general election cycle like you.

author by Michael McGrath - The Order of Druids in Irelandpublication date Sat Jul 15, 2006 04:27author email DruidEire at casblenet dot ieauthor address Kennyswell, Kilkenny City, Ireland.author phone 0863247628Report this post to the editors

I have to disagree with you. As far as I can make out Tarawatch were the very last to know about the protest on the Hill - I was logging all the sites and forums all day Thursday, all Friday, right through the early hours, grabbing a couple of hours cat-nap and up again, scanning and logging - and doing all I could to garner support for the protesters on the Hill. I also had constant reports from 'one of ours' there on the spot.

I dealt with support, logistics, Health and Safety, and legal advice - in which I am not qualified!

But Vincent Salafia is, and that is how he can now come into his own, and has graciously done so.

Legal advice to the protesters, representing them to the OPW, Gardai etc - and to the NRA when our brave pritesters move down onto the proposed route of the M3 - Vincent Salafia's legal assistance, advice and representation will be invaluable in all of this.

Be sensible, be practical, and be honest, Equally Frustrated, who else can do this, Save Tara, Save Tara Valley, or me (God help us!).

That is why it is so wise to route all statements through Vincent Salafia and to take his legal advice right through this campaign.

We are all able to perform our own functions, we are all good at something or other. To each expert his or her own.

I am quite happy that Tarawatch are obviously discharging the legal function through Vincent Salafia.

And so, I see, is everybody else, including the hill protesters who have told you that they are not affiliated to anybody.

But I am not happy that you misled me into thinking that Siobhan Rice does not exist. She is a very real human being indeed. As such I apologise to you Siobhan for being misled into doubting you, so, no, I won't be around to you to "put my fingers in the wounds".

But I am now of the impression Equally Doubtful that you just might be an NRA Agent Provocateur - and I never take chances!

Related Link: http://www.savetaravalley.com
author by Equally frustratedpublication date Sat Jul 15, 2006 01:43author address author phone Report this post to the editors

Any credibility that the protestors on the Hill had has been destroyed by the fact that they have chosen Tarawatch as their method of communication with the Indy world. There were Indy people there today? Why is the so-called Solidarity Camp speaking through the Salafia-group? Tara is finished, campaign is over.
Once this lot get their way, any ordinary support, local, community etc. will disappear.
Its Glen of the Downs/Carrickmines again - is what people will say and the whole campaign will be dismissed and rightly so.
Any hope of the groups getting together is now finished by virtue of this change of focus.

Any hope of unity and credibility or presenting any election campaign is finished - all will now be dismissed as hippies etc.
It could not happen at a worse or more inappropriate time, just as the groups were beginning to talk of unity.
Smacks of some political or Salafia takeover/scuppering again.
Have people no sense? Have you any idea how many ordinary people of the 70% you have alienated overnight?
How can you say you care for Tara?
Shame on you. Tara deserves better and it will not get that now ...

author by Siobhan Rice - Political Affairs Officer - TaraWatchpublication date Sat Jul 15, 2006 01:26author email info at tarawatch dot orgauthor address author phone 086-319-9833Report this post to the editors

The Solidarity Camp on the Hill of Tara has issued an official statement:

WE ARE A PEOPLE'S SOLIDARITY CAMP, HERE TO SUPPORT THE LOCAL PEOPLE AND ALL THE CAMPAIGNS. WE ARE ADAMANT IN OUR NONAFFILIATION WITH ANY PATICULAR CAMPAIGN OR POLITICAL PARTY, BUT WELCOME ANY FRIENDS OF TARA TO OUR SOLSTICE VIGIL FIRE WHICH HAS BEEN BURNING SINCE THE SUMMER SOLSTICE.

Related Link: http://www.tarawatch.org
author by Muireann Ni Bhrolchain - Save Tarapublication date Fri Jul 14, 2006 19:30author email muireann at savetara dot comauthor address author phone Report this post to the editors

Thank you for the apology and no, no one speaks for me, I'm well able to do it myself.
I did post up before but I know that this type of mail is considered chat. I'm learning!

Related Link: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/savetara/
author by Michael McGrath - The Order of Druids in I(relandpublication date Fri Jul 14, 2006 18:38author email DruidEire at cablenet dot ieauthor address Kennyswell, Kilkenny City, Irelandauthor phone 086-3247628Report this post to the editors

Jackie, whoever you may be. I know a man in Kilkenny called Jackie, and a woman called Jackie too.

Just the sort of unisex name to really hide a troll!

Even Homer nods

(and, no, I didn't come down in the last shower)

I doubt if Dr. O'Bhrolchain asked you to speak on her behalf in what is an apology from me to her, a personal matter.

Related Link: http://www.savetaravalley
author by Muireann Ni Bhrolchain - Save Tarapublication date Fri Jul 14, 2006 16:05author email muireann at savetara dot comauthor address author phone Report this post to the editors

We have received word that the original planning application was 'invalid' according to Meath County Council. They will re-apply so be prepared to re-submit your objections.
Our objections and €20 have been returned.
Muireann

Related Link: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/savetara/
author by Michael McGrath - ODIpublication date Fri Jul 14, 2006 15:31author address Kennswell, Kilkenny City, Ireland.author phone 0863247628Report this post to the editors

My apologies to you.

The statement I attributed to you was inadvertent. I mistakingly ascribed to you a posting made by someone on hilloftara forum.

I am hours up, falling over the keyboard, trawling across the websites and forums, and in contact with Tara protest and other colleagues all at once.

I am going to have a coffee and a shut-eye in that order.

Once again, my sincere apologies.

Michael McGrath
Archdruid of Tara and Ireland.

ODI

Related Link: http://www.savetaravalley.com
author by Muireann Ni Bhrolchain - Save Tarapublication date Fri Jul 14, 2006 15:06author email muireann at savetara dot comauthor address author phone Report this post to the editors

I hope this clarifies the situation. People may do as they wish. I'm not telling anyone what to do.
SaveTara posted the message from Indymedia, word for word as follows early Friday morning:

This message from Indymedia. I saw it on a website during the week as
well but did not believe it.

(From Indymedia)
Protesters have been camped in Tara since the solstice. For the time
being the camp is situated near the hill down into the woods. Campers
have kept a flame burning since the solstice and intend to keep it
burning until the 2nd of August, which is Lammas. They will then
relocate to a new location directly affected by the proposed motorway.
They hope by camping close to the hill that they will create a meeting
space for those wanting to get involved in the camp, and also raise
more awareness among the tourists etc who visit Tara.
Today the 6 campers had a visit from the Office of Public Works who
ordered them to leave by dinnertime tomorrow. The camp is calling for
urgent support, if enough people show up to support them they will try
to defy this order and remain camped there until the 2nd of August.
If you can get to Tara call one of these numbers 086 1758557 086
0771851 087 6218128.

The only comment I made myself was in response to a question as to where the
protesters were, as follows, this afternoon, :

Hi all,
I don't know exactly where they are. I assumed they were at the faery
tree but if not, I'd say they are further down the sloping trenches
among the trees.
Muireann

Related Link: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/savetara/
author by Michael McGrath - ODIpublication date Fri Jul 14, 2006 14:39author address Kennswell, Kilkenny City, Ireland.author phone 0863247628Report this post to the editors

You stated on your own forum www.savetara that you intend to attend the protest at Tara tomorrow.

Perhaps you have changed your mind?

Thank you for your clarification.

Related Link: http://www.savetaravalley.com
author by Muireann Ni Bhrolchain - Save Tarapublication date Fri Jul 14, 2006 14:23author email muireann at savetara dot comauthor address author phone Report this post to the editors

Actually, personally I have no intention at present of visiting the protest at Tara. It think it best for me not to get involved.
If either Frustrated or E. Frustrated want to get in touch with me personally, I'm leaving my email with this as usual.

Related Link: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/savetara/
author by Michael McGrath - ODIpublication date Fri Jul 14, 2006 14:15author address Kennswell, Kilkenny City, Ireland.author phone 0863247628Report this post to the editors

To Equally Frutrated etc.

A week is a long time etc.

We have now adopted the tactic of the Tara Protest in one hand and the Ballot Box in the other.

As I write volunteers are flocking to the Hill of Tara.

It is unstoppable - and it's brilliant! And all is peaceful, calm and well organised, stewarded and controlled.

OPW now seeking a court order, but it will take them at least three weeks - and even then they may not be granted such order - we will defend our action and resist OPW in the courts.

That way any injunction will be adjourned and contested right into the middle of the genera;l election. Now that's real politics for you.

And, hopefully, a leader will emerge from all of this who will command the respect of the protest groups and the people. - and the Druids you don't like - are you, perhaps a priest, a brother or a nun? Nothing wrong with that except anonymity does not contribute to real communication.

So far Muireann seems content enough, and is going to the protest on Tara, we are, and Save Tara Valley are happy too .

This is unity breaking through in a Big Way.

All the 'office work' is done - now the Action!

Yours in the heat of the battle, the peace of the Grove and the sacred space between.

Michael McGrath
Battle Chief of the Druids of Ireland.
AD Tara and Ireland.

Related Link: http://www.savetaravalley.com
author by Equally frustratedpublication date Fri Jul 14, 2006 13:45author address author phone Report this post to the editors

If this is the campaign to Save Tara and the alternative to the Tarawarch brigade or Save Tara and Valley or whatever they are all called, Tara is finished. This walks right into the Roche/Bertie/Cullen trap, now Tara is the same as Carrickmines and the Glen of the Downs. Tara is different but all this protester/druid led agitation will sully and destroy any shred of credibility this sad campaign has left.
Might as well wave bye bye to Tara and its landscape now. Hang heads in shame all around, what about the unity and political route that was all the talk here just a few days ago?

author by Michael McGrath - ODIpublication date Fri Jul 14, 2006 06:21author address author phone Report this post to the editors

Sorry, I meant the N3 above - not the N9.

And it would be a good idea for people with laptops to bring them and relay the action as it goes on - thanks.

Michael.

author by Michael McGrath - The Order of Druids in Irelandpublication date Fri Jul 14, 2006 05:04author address Kennswell, Kilkenny City, Ireland.author phone 086-3247628Report this post to the editors

For the expected Tara showdown between protesters encamped there and Gardai early today, buses leave Bus Aras from early morning.

Some tourist buses run by Bus Eireann go direct to the Hill of Tara.

Others, bound for Navan and further north, will drop you off approx. 7 miles from Dunshaughlin on the N9 at the little road/laneway - and it's about 20 minutes walk from there to the hill.

Best ask the bus driver - he will know exactly where to let you off for Tara and will alert you when you get there.

Have a lovely day - we know you will assist the protesters in every way you can and assist/advise/protect them from Garda brutality.

Thank You,

Michael.

Related Link: http://www.savetaravalley.com
author by Michael McGrath - The order of Druids in Ireland (ODI)publication date Fri Jul 14, 2006 04:47author email DruidEire at cablenet dot ieauthor address Kennswell, Kilkenny City, Ireland.author phone 086-3247628Report this post to the editors

The real campaign against the M3 Tara has now commenced, born a bit prematurely I must admit, but now that it has started with the occupation of the Hill of Tara by brave volunteers we must help and encourage this action in every way possible.

What is the alternative - V.Salafia or the learned scolarly academic Dr. Muireann Ni Bhrolchain (Bless Her) ?

Druids, (do you mind Equally Frustrated), are involved, as are some people attached to the Save Tara Valley Campaign:

www.savetaravalley.com

It is important that as many people as possible get out to Tara today to witness and photograph potential Garda brutality as the OPW is expected to turn up with a posse of Gardai to evict the protesters from the Hill.

Indymedia journalists and photographers please note. This could be Big News!

Yesterday (Thursday 13th July) officials of the OPW turned up at Tara - for nthe first time in years - to tell the protesters to get off the Hill or they will return and evict them today.

That OPW./Garda action could now be a matter of hours away.

OPW are probably waiting for the Gardai to get their riot squad assembled and out to Tara.

This is an emergency so everybody please get out to Tara as fast as you can.

And remind the protesters that they have a constitutional right to remain there unless a Court Order is produced.

Finally bring food, soft drinks, ciggies, any little comforts you can possibly afford to the courageous protesters who have been encamped on Tara (in a little wood nearby) since the summer solstice, Midsummer Day, June 21st last, peacefully and interfering with nobody, just keeping the ceremonial fire going.

For mobile numbers of protesters see Muireann's Save Tara:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/savetara/message/614

Thank You

Michael McGrath
Archdruid of Tara and Ireland

ODI

Related Link: http://www.savetaravalley.com
author by Equally frustratedpublication date Fri Jul 14, 2006 02:54author address author phone Report this post to the editors

Totally OTT and before the time.
Exactly what should be discussed at that supposed meeting.
Leadershp needed quickly, this campaign is sinking like the Titanic.
Who are they? Not affilated to any group? That is not good

author by frustrateepublication date Fri Jul 14, 2006 02:45author address author phone Report this post to the editors

the general election is a year, away and is useless mugs game.

author by Frustratedpublication date Fri Jul 14, 2006 02:35author address author phone Report this post to the editors

A call for volunteers has gone out for activists to join a camp at Tara. Does anyone know whether these people are affiliated to any of the existing groups? The call was made through the Rossport Solidarity Camp. I think this is precisely the type of issue that needs to be discussed by a co-ordinating committee. As has been pointed out, public opinion in the local area should not be further inflamed. The reason the Rossport camp has been so sucessful is that they have been very careful to respect the wishes of the local community. I fully support such direct action but there is no point in expending energy on such activities at this stage. The general election must be our focus for the moment. All indications are that the actual construction phase of the motorway is still some way off. The setting up of a camp now actually dilutes its potential strenghts in the future in much the same way as the stop-start nature of the campaign has sapped energy up to now.

author by Michael McGrath - Archdruid of Tara and Ireland (ODI)publication date Fri Jul 14, 2006 02:24author email DruidEire at cablenet dot ieauthor address Kennyswell, Kilkenny City, Irelandauthor phone 086-3247628Report this post to the editors

"BTW The involvement of the Druids is a real negative." - Equally Frustrated.

How, why is this, how can this be? The Irish people are exremely tolerant of all religions and those who have none when it comes to politics/elections, with Protestants, Jews and agnostics/atheists continually elected to the Dail and Seanad Eireann, and Local Authorities etc. .

Are the Tara protest groups now going to ask a person his or her religion etc before they are allowed to join?

Now we see where the real negativity is coming from - are Druids to be regarded as social and political lepers? What ugly discrimation and sectarianism! - worse than Orangeism, worse than fascism!

I will tell you my friend that the Druids were out there fighting this road before you or V.Salafia or Muireann or anybody jumped on the bandwagon - but, having said that, you are all very welcome indeed.

The point I was making was that objections to these planning permissions, at 20 euros a skull, and who is going to pay that, us poor Druids,may endanger the main protest against the M3 by causing an unwelcome and useless distraction.

And I do feel that Druids are the most democratic of all the groups in the protest - and it is ours too by virtue of being concerned Irish citizens - by holding elections for leadership positions, in fact for our top leadership position which is ongoing right now,

Nobody else here is doing this which goes to show that no matter what anybody says about me and the Druids, we are transparent, accountable and above board - and above all, democratic.

Of course elections are important in the protest groups, or have you thrown democracy out the window too?

I don't have to tell you why, do I?

(Right now Big Brother is even more democratic than the lay protest groups -think about it!).

Related Link: http://www.savetaravalley.com
author by Muireann Ni Bhrolchain - Save Tarapublication date Fri Jul 14, 2006 01:37author email muireann at savetara dot comauthor address author phone Report this post to the editors

Thanks Village, at least someone published it. In the magazine it is accompanied by a lovely photo of Tara from the sky.
Letter, Village Magazine, July 13th 2006

Heritage and planning - 'Dick Roche's hypocrisy is stomach-churning'

The only 'wow' factor to Dick Roche's recent announcement on the
Heritage Trust is that he understands the meaning of 'heritage' at
all. He didn't at Tara. In giving permission for archaeological
excavations last year he indicated that "as a statutory consultee on
individual planning applications he intends ensuring that heritage
protection remains a priority in this area" (press release 13 May 2005).

Why then are the planning applications pouring into Meath County
Council, including the most recent for a waste-recycling facility in
the Gabhra Valley right beside the historic Gabhra river? This is
located at Philpotstown, Garlow Cross and is intended to recycle
construction and demolition waste. Sited as it is at the proposed
interchange and only 1,525m from the Hill of Tara what will it
recycle? The archaeological remains of our ancestors and our history?
So much for his aim "to protect the rural character, setting and
archaeological heritage of the landscape in the vicinity of Tara and
the new motorway" (press release 13 May 2005).

The minister's hypocrisy, arrogance and disregard of his environment
portfolio is quite stomach-churning.

Muireann Ní Bhrolcháin, Save Tara, Maynooth, Co Kildare

Related Link: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/savetara/
author by Equally frustratedpublication date Fri Jul 14, 2006 01:01author address author phone Report this post to the editors

Hi Frustrated and other, your messages (and mine) survived a while and then disappeared, you can apparently contact the editors to find out why. I don't know much about Indymedia as I don't contribute much - usually a watcher but Tara is too important to ignore and there is an energy here that is unusual in the recent past when Tara had disappeared off the Indy agenda. Not Indy's fault but of the contributors. Good to see Save Tara posting information here as well.
Tara is the issue but as I have said, Meath people in particular will have no truck with Salafia and the new Tarawatch people will have their eyes opened - eventually like everyone else.
If there is any hope it is in a high table meeting as suggested by pro-Tara somewhere in one of these threads.
There is a serious suspicion as to his motives, the Carrickmines people will tell anyone that. Taraskreen will tell you that.
There are good people in Tarawatch by the looks of things but like many others they have been taken in ...
There are 10 months left in this campaign - after that it really doesn't matter. There is no time left for bickering, bad mouthing, Tara no longer has the luxury of time.
The mood in this thread is clear and its obvious that Frustrated in particular knows what he/she is talking about and has huge experience in this area. Listen to him ... whoever he/she is is telling it like we hear it is.
Btw, the Archdruid McGrath may dismiss the objections to the planning permissions but they are important, even more important than elections. What protest group ever had an election? Its hardly a political party?
Get the groups together, move over Salafia, and lets face this election united and get the people of Meath/ Ireland to take Tara on as a serious issue. If they build this road then this FF/PD/NRA government can build anywhere, nowhere is safe.
The involvement of the druids can be a real negative in the eyes of the general public.

author by Michael McGrath - The Order of Druids in Irelandpublication date Thu Jul 13, 2006 23:10author address Kennswell, Kilkenny City, Ireland.author phone 086-3247628Report this post to the editors

How can we unite with an egomaniac who will not unite with anybody else, and who, unelected and unappointed, has fastened himself onto our campaign , unasked and unwanted by all of us, lay campaigners and Druids alike.

And he is now inflaming the local residents who look after the Hill of Tara 365 days a year, The Friends of Tara who have expressed (on www.hillof tara.com) concern about his protest and asked him to have concern for them, just now, after their graveyard was descrated, and call it off.

On behalf of all the Druids of Ireland I can say here and now that we will have nothing to do with V.Salafia, and we do not recognise him as anything.

But we do have great time for the other protest groups, especially Save Tara Valley campaign, also Muireann ni Bhrolchain and her Save Tara campaign.

And everybody else - but not V.Salafia

Thank you Frustrated for highlighting this fact, and the fact that we can challenge for Tara in the coming General Election by asking the People of Meath - Dont forget that Meath is the Key! - to vote Green Party, Sinn Fein and Labour, 1,2,3, in order of their choice to grab that 3rd seat out of 5 from FF and FG. The roof will then cave in on the political establishment and Tara will be saved.

So, move over Salafia!

Related Link: http://www.savetaravalley.com
author by Frustratedpublication date Thu Jul 13, 2006 22:45author address author phone Report this post to the editors

Comment on editorial discussion removed - ed

In addressing Chris's comment above - I have been involved in many of the protests that took place over the last two years and before this latest year zero. I agree that the issue is above all about Tara and the organising of an effective campaign in its defence. However, campaigns are made up of individuals and in order to be effective there must be a degree of trust or at least respect among individuals. My contention is that Vincent no longer commands any respect or trust from the majority of people interested in the Tara issue.
To those who have recently joined Tarawatch I would ask them to talk to some people who were involved in the campaign at Carrickmines and to members of the no-defunct Save Tara Skreen Valley Group. They will be shocked by some of the factual revelations but above all they will be taken aback by the ferocity of the dislike and division which Vincent has created. This may not have always been fair and the fault for the failures thus far do not rest at his feet alone. But one fact remains true - no effective campaign can be launched on the Tara/M3 issue if Vincent has any position of influence in any of the constituent groups.
To Vincent I would say this - you have always said that you want to concentrate on the court case and leave the campaigning to others. Now is your opportunity. With this renewal of interest in the issue there is a genuine chance that a meeting of groups can be called and some real progress towards setting out a political strategy can be made. You know and I know and most other people on this thread know that your presence or involvement will make that impossible. Its your choice - be remembered as the one who took a courageous stand in the courts with all the personal and financial costs that that entails, or, be remembered as the single biggest factor in the collapse and ultimate failure of this campaign.

author by Michael McGrath - The Order of Druids in Ireland (ODI)publication date Thu Jul 13, 2006 04:50author address author phone Report this post to the editors

Vincent Salafia is the Undertaker of Tara. By obstinately refusing to meet the other protest groups even part of the way, he rejects unity in co-operation and collaboration against the proposed M3 motorway.

Therefore it is time for the other save Tara groups to sidestep Salafia and meet together and work together leaving him in the splendid isolation that he has chosen.

I believe that there is a leader there, somewhere, just waiting to emerge, not from within the the present protest groups, but out there somewhere, a potential leader of dynamic organisational ability, perhaps a politician, a professional, a trade unionist, who must above all be an agitator, even a demagogue.

There are such people reading these threads right now.

Let them step forward and let us get on with the job - to save Tara from the M3.

He or she must now step forward and lead the campaign out of the doldrums.

author by Equally frustratedpublication date Thu Jul 13, 2006 01:54author address author phone Report this post to the editors

That's old news. Still ongoing ...

author by mainlanderpublication date Thu Jul 13, 2006 01:47author address author phone Report this post to the editors

Tara Motorway
20/2/2006
WRITTEN QUESTION E-4966/05
by Proinsias De Rossa (PSE)
to the Commission

(.....)

E-4966/05EN
Answer given by Mr Dimas
on behalf of the Commission
(10.2.2006)

...it was not possible to establish that a breach of EU legislation had occurred. On this basis, the decision was taken that the complaints be closed.

http://derossa.com/asp/showdoc.asp?AREA=35&ID=1485

author by Equally frustratedpublication date Thu Jul 13, 2006 00:00author address author phone Report this post to the editors

I agree with frustrated (I wonder which of us is mr and mrs. We could be gay! ) A meeting of all groups would seem to be a decent idea, but would Salafia step aside out of the limelight as he keeps promising? My friends in the know tell me that most people in Meath will have nothing to do with him. What if another representative from Tarawatch were included? That's a good idea. But would they speak Salafia-spreak as they appear to? I bet he'll still want to rule the roost but why not run with it? There must be someone out there who can take a hand on this campaign before the election is over and its all over for Tara.

author by Chris Murray - The unmanageablespublication date Wed Jul 12, 2006 16:51author address author phone Report this post to the editors

http://groups.yahoo.com/groups/savetara

Until a meeting is called by that group, such things as leafleting at weekends,
visiting the Hill , writing letters and meeting other campaigners would be a
place to start. join the group and make contact. In anideal world everything
would be organised but individuals can take the initiative also.
The permissions campaign will close in a couple of days also.
reading the various sites and awareness of the legislation will give
a good overall picture of the campaign as it stands.

Related Link: http://groups.yahoo.com/groups/savetara
author by Frustratedpublication date Wed Jul 12, 2006 16:14author address author phone Report this post to the editors

Would it then be possible to call a meeing of representatives of all the existing groups with a view to oulining a startegy for the run-up to the election? Could this perhaps be facilitated in some way by some outside but interested party with experience? Would TaraWatch send a representative? Would Vincent be willing to stand aside and concentarte solely on the court case as he has professed the wish to do?

author by Muireann Ni Bhrolchain - Save Tarapublication date Tue Jul 11, 2006 13:03author email muireann at savetara dot comauthor address author phone 087-9249510Report this post to the editors

Thanks again for the interest. Go raibh mile maith agaibh.
Anyone who wants can use the objection I post last night and welcome if they feel it is sufficient. The same letter will do for both objections. Be sure to put the different numbers on the two different letters.
The number and addresses again:

The first objection to
1. Meath County Council,
Planning Section,
Planning Authority,
County Hall,
Railway St.,
Navan,
Co Meath
This is against the application no. NA60204 and MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY €20 OTHERWISE IT WILL CONSIDERED INVALID.

The second to
2. Meath County Council
Environment Section
County Hall,
Railway St.
Navan
Co Meath
This is against the application no. WMP2006-20. This does not require a fee.

I agree, it is a disgrace that a fee must be paid, they make money and the public are dissuaded from objecting.
Anyway, a fight for another day, lets stick to Tara.

Related Link: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/savetara/
author by Muireann Ni Bhrolchain - Save Tarapublication date Tue Jul 11, 2006 00:41author email muireann at savetara dot comauthor address author phone Report this post to the editors

Here is my draft at present, it should give some ideas. I'm not qualified to address the nitty-gritty of the application but you could mention noise, dirt, lorries - the usual problems that would be associated with a recycling plant that deals with building material.

58, Laurence Avenue,
Maynooth,
Co Kildare.

A chara,
I wish to lodge an objection to the Planning Application No. NA60204 made on behalf of JMP Construction on the land at Philpotstown, Garlow Cross, Navan, County Meath. This is land that has already got planning permission for ‘land improvement’.

This type of development is entirely unsuitable and inappropriate for such a rural and culturally rich area. I wish to object on the following grounds:

(i) Archaeological/historical
This application is located in the heart of the Gabhra Valley between the two hills of Tara and Skryne that constitutes Tara’s hinterland. It is only 1525m from the Hill of Tara and it will permanently degrade the archaeological landscape of the area adjacent to the Gabhra River itself in the area of Dillon’s Bridge School. This Valley is recognized as an area of high archaeological importance lying as it does at the very foot of the hill and it is part of the extended landscape of Tara. The proposed site for the recycling facility lies immediately adjacent to the proposed M3-N3 motorway interchange at Blundelstown / Castletown Tara at the foot of the Hill of Tara.
This is part of the very area that has been recognized by various reports provided to Meath County Council as being of the highest archaeological significance and sensitivity and should be treated with the greatest care.
In 2000 the NRA commissioned Route Selection Report by Halcrow Barry said about this area in relation to the chosen route of the motorway that is approximately 100m away from the proposed site:
“The effect of this route on the Hill of Tara and on its outlying monuments is profound and would have severe implications from an archaeological perspective. It is unlikely that cost-effective proposals to meet the mitigation requirements could be supported for this route in this area”. (pp 44-5)
“This combination of routes is perhaps that which comes closest to the largest number of known archaeological sites”. (p 46)
In 2000 the NRA commissioned report from Margaret Gowen’s archaeological company says:
“The monuments around Tara cannot be viewed in isolation, or as individual sites, but must be seen in the context of an intact archaeological landscape, which should not under any circumstances be disturbed, in terms of visual or direct impact on the monuments themselves”.
And again: “No mitigation would remove the effects of this route on the Hill of Tara or on its outlying monuments. It would have extremely severe implications from an archaeological perspective”.
As the proposed site for this development lies so close to the Blundelstown interchange, the closest point at which the M3 would come to Tara, this advice must be taken on board when considering this application.

(ii) Contradiction of Minister Roche’s directions
This development directly contradicts the directions that were given by Minister Roche when he allowed the archaeological excavations to go ahead on May 11th 2005. As part of those directions he said that he intended to protect the
‘as a statutory consultee on individual planning applications he intends ensuring that heritage protection remains a priority in this area.’ (press release 13/05/05)
In regard to the concerns about the interchange the Minister said:

’The Minister also raised with the NRA the general visual impact of the
interchange. The NRA has responded with details of an extensive
landscaping scheme using a combination of extensive, mainly indigenous,
woodland areas and earth bunds aimed at better integrating the
interchange into the surroundings.
A further issue of concern related to how any future development would
be controlled on the lands between the proposed road and the existing
N3.’
This is precisely the area in which this completely inappropriate development is to be located. The Minister also said that his Department would engage with Meath County Council to ensure that:
’appropriate policy objectives are contained in the new development plan, currently in preparation, to protect the rural character, setting and archaeological heritage of the landscape in the vicinity of Tara and the new motorway.’

(iii) This proposal breaches the Meath County Council Draft Development Plan
As the new Meath County Council Draft Development Plan lists protection of such areas among its key objectives, this development will breach these objectives. The Minister again addressed this issue and stated the he would:
’consider using his statutory powers under the Planning
Act 2000 to direct the Council amend their development plan’.
If this application is permitted it will both breach the instructions given by the Minister and open the way for ribbon development of the type that Minister Roche assured the public would not happen.

Related Link: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/savetara/
author by Muireann Ni Bhrolchain - Save Tarapublication date Mon Jul 10, 2006 23:28author address author phone Report this post to the editors

Thanks for the interest, I'm writing mine at the moment. Just received this from one of the locals in Meath who are very much on top of this type of stuff: I'm no expert unfortunately. But it means that there are two letters required, one to the Planning Section and the other to the Environmental section. Make sure the numbers are correct.
I advise using the points given by Julitta Clancy as a template for the objections.

re JMP Construction, Philpotstown, Garlow Cross,
I have been advised by Meath CoCo Environmental section that it is (in addition to the planning objection) necessary to lodge a separate objection to the granting of a waste permit. The waste permit application is WMP 2006/20. The deadline of 14th July does not apply to this letter, but an early objection is advised. The same letter will do as for the planning letter, with a change of application number to WMP 2006/20, and a change of addressee to the Environmental section. No fee is required for the waste objection.

Related Link: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/savetara/
author by Patpublication date Mon Jul 10, 2006 21:36author address author phone Report this post to the editors

I would also appreciate something I could print out and sign! Maybe we could get others to sign and cough up €20 as well? Is it a case that the more objections that are received, the better?

Pat

author by Muireann Ni Bhrolchain - Save Tarapublication date Mon Jul 10, 2006 18:58author address author phone Report this post to the editors

Not at the moment but if I can get one I will.

Related Link: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/savetara/
author by Michaelpublication date Mon Jul 10, 2006 18:02author address author phone Report this post to the editors

Is it possible to post a sample objection in the accepted format so that those wishing to can sign it and send it off?

author by Muireann Ni Bhrolchain - Save Tarapublication date Mon Jul 10, 2006 16:27author email muireann at savetara dot comauthor address author phone Report this post to the editors

The best place to get information on the sites and the archaeology in general is from the NUI Galway site where Joe Fenwick keeps the information flowing. http://www.nuigalway.ie/archaeology/Tara_M3.html. There are detailed maps etc there as well.

His articles on archaeology in the Valley have been posted on the Save Tara Yahoo Group.

Related Link: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/savetara/
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