Emergency at Tara

by Roestown Wed May 23, 2007 15:40

Help needed immediatley

by C Murray Wed May 23, 2007 16:18

Collierstown and Baronstown 1 are national monuments. this is an act of criminal
vandalism.

The Minister for the Environment must call a stop to the works.
The campaigners are fine.

help needed:- my computer is being attacked by spyware and I cannot get into my
radio list. contact radio. Media contacted.

The Minister for the environment disallowed the Oral evidence of the government chief
archaeologist on the issue of Collierstown and Baronstwon 1. this is public record
info and needs to be transmitted to the media and Justice spokespersons
asap.

087-9249510

If the sites are taken out it means the bi-section of the Gabhra Valley.
This is not about Lismullin but cultural vandalism.

Dick Roche TD stands responsible, there needs to be 28 sittting days of the
Oireachtas before a demolition order.

Stop the Destruction of our heritage, the issue can be traced to all legislations
introduced by this government and is on the record.

by Roestown Wed May 23, 2007 22:44

I know its late but people are needed urgently at the site of Collierstown tomorrow from 6am onwards.
The machinery was persuaded away today, a young protester negotiated a deal with the boss - go back to Garretstown and we will not stop you there thus keeping them out of the Valley.
But the graveyard at Collierstown is in imminent danger and the two gates on the road, one at Collierstown and the other going to Baronstown need to be blocked completely tomorrow.
They are determined to push through there. The Spanish engineers were defending their actions tonight - they said the NRA told them to work on this particular section of the road.
Collierstown - coming from Dublin is after Dunshaughlin, Drive on about 4 miles to Ross Cross - the next cross road. Take the right at the cross road and the site is not far down that stretch of road. You also pass the Tara post office on the way.
The grave slabs are thrown about the place - broken.
There are bones littered on the ground.

by Michael Martin - TaraWatch Wed May 23, 2007 23:06 Wicklowwolf at yahoo dot com

Tell everybody involved in Roestown to pull back to Collierstown. Roestown was destroyed over 4 weeks ago, is wasteland and will be part of the motorway even if a new government decides on rerouting the motorway. It's not worthwhile defending anymore. Please pull back to Collierstown now!

by Tomás Wed May 23, 2007 23:52

Can we get some photographic evidence of the gravestones that are broken and the bones that are scattered around on the ground? That will make an very graphic image to argue our case to have the road rerouted.

by Roestown Thu May 24, 2007 00:03

Yes, here they are.

Bones at Collierstown

Grave slabs

Slabs again

Bones found

Bones - teeth?

by Con Connor - Ireland's Druidschool Thu May 24, 2007 01:32

You can ring or email the Irish newspapers and tell them of your disgust at procedures at Tara. You can tell your friends and family to Vote Save Tara Valley in tomorrows general election. A detailed report on human and animal bones and teeth found on the ground in Tara Valley today and Irish newspaper contact details and the phone contact details of the Camapign to Save Tara can all be seen at - http://www.druidschool.com/site/1030100/page/913570 and a report called "Brutality at Tara" can be seen at http://www.druidschool.com/site/1030100/page/913321 I spoke with and stood with the Campaign to Save Tara at Collierstown today. Many of them are sore with bruises and cuts from the unprovoked violent attack by Irish workers of Howley Construction but their spirit is strong. More people are needed to stand with them at Collierstown to stop the toll road. Phone contact details in the links above
Please share this message with friends.

Grá
Con
http://www.druidschool.com

by Ether Thu May 24, 2007 09:08

It's amazing that people still want photographic evidence when there are volumes of such evidence already available. And trying to get corporate media coverage - as if doing so will muster support - at this time is really pointless.

Even though the reporter, who wrote the most recent article in the Irish Times (I think), was right at the scene, and surely had a direct view of the stones and bones, the word "alleged" was still used in the article, which is a tricky way for reporters to say the accusations made by those trying to stop construction are false. And when such accusations are further dispelled by a so-called expert government archeologist, who claims that everything of relevance was extracted years ago, can one really believe that the such a newspaper will provide unbiased, accurate coverage of what is really happening at Collierstown?

The only reason reporters are out there now, is to sensationalize what is happening, and to sell papers. This is done by making the protesters look like crusty, misinformed, tree-hugging, zealots, and the government officials look like reasonable, well-informed professionals. It's all about creating a drama. Telling the truth about what is going on is not a priority for the mainstream media.

And if anybody claims to need more photographic (or other) evidence, to believe that an untold amount of Irish heritage is being destroyed in the Gabhra, I say they are deliberately blind, and will never get enough proof. Even if the fully intact grave of Finn McCool were found, there are some people who would still say it is worthless junk.

by Deirdre C - citizen Thu May 24, 2007 12:17

Those photos are so sad: what possible impulse would possess a government to allow the desecration of a country's history and heritage to this extent? We are compromising so much in the name of progress. I'm working on a project at the moment that's supposed to be giving kids an appreciation of Ireland's cultural heritage. At best, the current generation of schoolkids will grow up with very mixed messages. 'Appreciate your cultural heritage, but it's okay to desecrate for the convenience of motorists'. The next generation will grow up with a schizoid sense of who they are.

by Harold Clifford Thu May 24, 2007 14:25

Hello there, I was just wondering what happened to the Tara/M3 election campaign? Its polling day and I see no messages instructing people how to vote. I've had a look around myself and am saddened to see that the Labour Party are the only party to have rerouting the M3 in their manifesto. What happened to all the spin we were hearing from Campaign to Save Tara about the election strategy?

by Michael Canney - Campaign to Save Tara Thu May 24, 2007 14:25

Monitors with video equipment are urgenty needed at M3 protest sites. Today (Thursday) there are reports of futher violence against peaceful protesters. Anyone who can get to the protests please do.

Location of protesters: Approx 5 miles past Dunshaughlan, turn right at first crossroads (Tara Post office on corner). Straight on and take first right. Down narrow, windy road and site entrance visable.

Daily protests are ongoing and a National Day of Action has been announced for Friday 1st June. Buses will be departing from Dublin, Cork and Galway. Full details to follow.

by Michael Canney - CST Thu May 24, 2007 14:41

While Labour are the only party to have included the M3 issue in their printed manifesto, both the Greens and Sinn Fein are opposed to the current proposed route. In a nutshell the Greens have said they will review the entire M3 proposal and upgrade the existing N3. Labour have said they will split the PPP contract and re-route the Navan-Dunshaughlan (Tara/Skryne) section. Sinn fein have repeatedly said they would re-route the road away from the Valley but have not detailed how at this stage.
Holding the parties to these pledges is our next priority.
We have taken a large advertisement in today's Meath Chronicle outlining each party's and local candidates position on the route.

by Harold Clifford Thu May 24, 2007 15:28

Surely Tara is a national issue? I didn't see any instructions here or anywhere else on how people should vote. Protests, yes, but political campaigning has been invisible... Pity to miss such a good opportunity.

by karen fallon Thu May 24, 2007 19:14

it is a terrible thing to desecrate the graves of your ancestors to build a motorway.
Tara is considered to be a site of WORLD historic interest. The government should be ashamed...... their forefathers are turning in what is left of their graves.

by Roestown Fri May 25, 2007 00:11

Today was a little calmer but had its dangerous and critical moments.
The gates were manned/womanned all day. Little work was carried out and Collierstown is still safe.
The line has been kept.
People required from 6am onwards. Even a couple of hours helps.
There was one frightening situation today when a tractor pulling a load came so close to the people that the marks of the tyres were on their clothes. That driver parked the tractor to block the road, then had to keep moving it to facilitate the public. Eventually he left saying that he had had enough.
Another driver began moving the tractor but eventually he was blocked so that the tractor had to stay on the side of the road.
It was prevented from entering the site.
The Green Party candidates for both East and West Meath constituencies were both with activists today for hours.
They will stand with them again.
Phone number - correct one this time - for the Solidarity Vigil - 086- 1758557.
Most of the reaction from local people is positive, or at least, not terribly negative. Many have stopped to chat to us.

by CM Fri May 25, 2007 18:27

CAMPAIGN OVER TARA AND M3

Madam, - May I express my amazement and horror at the Campaign to Save Tara's use of my name and official position in their campaign to politicise efforts to re-route the proposed M3 motorway at Tara.

My role has been, and is, to advise the Minister for the Environment, which I have done. My position precludes my ever becoming engaged in a politicised public controversy. My name has been used without my permission, or without any reference to the National Museum of Ireland. - Yours, etc,

PATRICK F WALLACE, Director, National Museum of Ireland, Kildare Street, Dublin 2.

What's all this about?

by Michael Canney - Campaign to Save Tara Fri May 25, 2007 21:55

Madam,

In yesterday’s paper Dr. Wallace, the Director of the National Museum, bemoaned the fact that we quote in our literature from his communications with Minister Roche regarding the proposed M3 motorway at Tara. Dr. Wallace is a senior public official who, through applicable legislation, has a statutory role in the designation of National Monuments and in how they are to be treated. We obtained his communication with the Minister through Freedom of Information legislation.

Dr. Wallace is quoted thus; ‘[Tara] is one of only a small number of monumental complexes that are of more that usual cultural importance from the standpoint not only of archaeology, but also of history, mythology, folklore, language, place-names study, and in the case of Tara, even of National Identity.’

It is not our intention to involve Dr. Wallace in ‘politicized public controversy’, it is simply our intention to put into the public domain all relevant materials and communications regarding an issue of huge public interest and unease. Any implication that Dr. Wallace endorses our position on the re-routing of the proposed motorway is unintentional.

Yours Sincerely,

Michael Canney
Kevin Hayes
Dr. Muireann Ni Bhrolchain
On behalf of The Campaign to Save Tara
Navan
Co. Meath

by billy idle Fri May 25, 2007 22:14

Especcially when one sees the main players who are behind this unforgiveable desecration of our heritage like Dempsey,Roche and Cullen toping the polls in their respective constituencies

by Mick Egan - Navan Sat May 26, 2007 03:20

Dr. Wallace would be best served if he reserved his "amazement and horror" for the people who are hell bent on destroying the landscape of Tara.

If he had any principles he would resign, as his political paymasters are so obviously paying little more then "lip service" to his views.

by Muireann Ni Bhrolchain Sat May 26, 2007 13:07

A word of explanation and clarification. The Campaign contacted Pat
Wallace directly on what his problem was. He said it was the fact that
the flyer should have said that the quote came from the Irish Times, but
as the letter said - the quote came from the letter that was sent by him
to the Minister and this was received by the Campaign under FOI.
He is a civil servant, he has to cover himself. He may have overstated
the case but the bottom line is that in his advice he emphasised over
and over again that this route should not be chosen and that he was
particularly concerned about the interchange at the Hill itself.

by Pat Wicklow Sat May 26, 2007 15:04

I met Dick Roche on his campaign trail - I made a point of tackling him on the Tara issue. Of course he waffled, but he 'assured' me that he would be taking the advice of Pat Wallace on this matter, and if Pat Wallace's advice is to re-route, then he would re-route, just as he had done in Waterford. If Pat Wallace advised preservation by record, then that is what he would do.

I doubt that there are many people who believe that Dick. I don't anyway.

Or is Pat Wallace telling US one thing, and telling Roche something else???

by Muireann Ni Bhrolchain - Campaign to Save Tara Sat May 26, 2007 21:07

Call to action: protectors required on Monday morning from 6am - this is really important.
You can get the exact location from the Vigil keepers 086 - 1758557

Members of the Campaign to Save Tara and the Solidarity Vigil have discovered another underground structure between the sites of Collierstown and Roestown while scouting the Valley sites on Saturday 26th May. This is a possible new souterrain complex
It is right in the middle of the route of the proposed motorway, at a 45 degree angle and what is visible is about 30 feet long. This was revealed when the construction workers were using heavy machinery for stripping topsoil in preparation for the hard core of the road. There is no archaeological activity in the area.
On the advice of an independent archaeologist the National Museum will be informed immediately. There will be a full occupation of the complex until the Museum people arrive. This is the section of the motorway project that was defended by conservationists during the past week. Without this action this latest find would now be covered by hard core.
Perhaps this discovery explains why construction workers were so heavy handed with the conservationists on Tuesday last in particular. There confrontations happened close to these scenes photographs by the press. Did the NRA realise that there was something to hide here?

by Tadhg Sun May 27, 2007 16:23

Firstly Muireann, its great to hear about a potential discovery. So is it just south of Collierstown 1 then?
I'll be interested to see the detail. If it is a souterrain complex then it would imply that there is/was evidence of a settlement site there as well.

I just wanted to ask what do people know for sure about the bones and "grave slabs" left at the site?
Without having dated these can we say for certain that they were part of the ancient burials?
Could they not be part of much more recent burials? Could the grave slabs also be just stone slabs unrelated to the burial chambers?

The number and concentration of bones would suggest that the majority were in the existing graves, but a percentage of them may have been from much later burials or just natural deaths (animal) at the site.
I think we need to know which is which.

Fair enough either way it is consecrated ground but from a purely archaeological point of view if it can be proven that these were part of the ancient sites then it "demonstrates" clear negligence or even incompetence on the NRAs part.

thanks
Tadhg

by Tadhg Sun May 27, 2007 21:55

It's a common enough name, and I lay no special claim to it, I actually met someone else called Tadhg at the count on Thursday and someone I know has a son called Tadhg, but just in case people think the comment above is from me, the Tadhg who is sometimes associated with the Shell to Sea campaign, it wasn't.

by Muireann Ni Bhrolchain - Campaign to Save Tara Sun May 27, 2007 23:28

Campaign to Save Tara - Press Release
Man-made structure on the route of the proposed M3
Members of the Campaign to Save Tara and the Solidarity Vigil have discovered another underground structure between the sites of Collierstown and Roestown while scouting the Valley sites on Saturday 26th May. This is obviously a man made subterranean site and was not picked up by the geophysical survey. This again shows the inadequacy of the preliminary investigations carried out on the route. It is right in the middle of the route of the proposed motorway, at a 45 degree angle and what is visible is about 30 feet long. This was revealed when the construction workers were using heavy machinery for stripping topsoil in preparation for the hard core of the road. There is no evidence of archaeological activity in the area.
On the advice of an independent archaeologist the National Museum will be informed immediately. There will be a full occupation of the complex until the Museum staff arrive. This is the section of the motorway project that was defended by conservationists during the past week. Without this action this latest find would now be covered by hard core.
Perhaps this discovery explains why construction workers were so heavy handed with the conservationists during last week. The confrontations that occurred on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday happened within 100 yards of this new possible site. Did the NRA and the contractors realise that there was something to hide here?
For verification Muireann Ní Bhrolcháin 087-9249510
Vigil Phone Number 086- 1758557

by Michael Martin - TaraWatch Mon May 28, 2007 00:38 Wicklowwolf at yahoo dot com

TaraWatch went on inspection tour today to have a look at that new discovery. And yes, we found it! But it's part of a 19th or 18th century field-drainage system and not a national monument! I think our well-meaning friends from CST and the Vigil got carried away here by their over-enthusiasm for Tara!

by NGA Mon May 28, 2007 01:42

The NGA strongly deplores the present route of the M3 passing the Hill of Tara site within less than a mile.

This is a place of immense significance in pre- and post-Christian Ireland, one of the major sites in the whole of Ireland. It was here St. Patrick disputed with the High King’s druids, after having lit the first Christian Easter fire on the Hill of Slane. It is quite obvious that this area has strong links with early Irish Christianity. Every year thousands visit the Hill of Tara to hear of Niall of the Nine Hostages, the High Kings of Ireland and St. Patrick. It is a major attraction for foreign tourists. Tara links the past with more recent Irish history: the Lia Fail, the Stone of Destiny, which belong to the coronation ritual of the High Kings, was re-sited in the nineteenth century in tribute to the insurgents of 1798, who fought and died for democracy in Meath and elsewhere. (There is also a conventional 1798 monument.) All this illustrates how redolent of Irish culture and history this place is. It passes belief that such a place, which is anchored in the pre-historic and Celtic past and much identified with the image of Ireland, both at home and in America, should be treated with such little sensitivity towards past, present and future. The present route the M3 is short-sighted, to say the least. A number of Ireland’s foremost archaeologists and historians have already protested against it.

We do not oppose an improved infrastructure, which is overdue for the people of Meath. We welcome the progress Ireland has made in this respect in recent times. But it is unworthy and a poor reflection if one needs to destroy the heroic past for what may prove short-term gains.

The NGA is particularly disturbed by reports that a newly discovered massive pagan temple in the path of the motorway will be buried under it. This is an exciting major find of European proportions. We demand the re-routing of the M3 NOW! The NGA urges to avoid a repeat of the disastrous decisions taken about twenty-five years ago during the Woodquay Viking site controversy, when even after the discovery of a priceless Viking sword during construction, the decision was taken to press ahead – thereby depriving the Irish people of the original site of Dublin – and of course, a major attraction and enhancement to our capital. We strongly urge the authorities not to repeat these short-sighted mistakes of the past and to re-site the M3 more sensitively, thereby preserving our heritage and handing it on to the future.

National Graves Assoc.

by Muireann Ni Bhrolchain - Campaign to Save Tara Mon May 28, 2007 09:29 muireann at savetara dot com

Hi to Tadhg (by 2) and others,
As M Martin says its hardly a souterrain but it is, as the press release says, "a man made subterranean site" and the Museum are interested in it.
Anything in the Tara area is worth investigating.
As for the grave stones - the stones lying about are those that lined the burials at Collierstown definitely. It is probable that the bones are a mixture of animal and human but without proper analysis this cannot be determined. They were not analysed if they are lying there in situ and on site.
It is interesting to see the NGA finally making a stand on Tara, the graves of our ancestors are here - they may be 2000 or 4000 years old but does that mean that they can be moved, disturbed and destroyed?
If the NGA wish to contact the campaign they may do so through the website or my mailing at address with this.
The question here is - what else has the NRA and their archaeologists missed here? The henge by the way dates to between 300 and 600BC. Very ancient henge.

by Jennifer Stotland Mon May 28, 2007 20:27 velveteyeball at gmail dot com 001-902-444-1881

Hi there,

I am watching this issue from Canada and I will be over in Ireland mid-June to begin to make a film on this issue. I realise I am about 7 years too late and I wish I could be over there now but better late than never.

If anybody wants to help make this issue visible I am in need of footage. If you have any or want to take some, even cellphone video, please get in touch with me. I am not expecting to make any money but if I do we can talk. I have no problem putting raw rushes online if it helps the movement.

Hopefully this can bring more visibiltiy to the issue internationally and make the government realise the eyes of the world are on them

thanks lots
Jen Stotland

by Roestown Tue May 29, 2007 00:28

The call for help still stands - from 6am every morning. If you have an hour, two hours, three hours - please help by standing with those who are defending our heritage. Contact the conservationists and Vigil keepers at 0861758557 for detailed information.

Archaeologists have seen the photographs and say that the site should be archaeologically investigated. These are independent archaeologists.
NRA archaeologists are downplaying what might be there. They did not even look properly to see what might be there. But then these are the same people who missed Woodstown in Waterford and also who missed the henge originally and described Lismullin as 11 pits and an animal bone. I'd rather trust the independent archaeologists who do not have a vested interest in downplaying Tara and its Gabhra Landscape.
Even if it is an 18th century drain - the NRA thought a 20th century post office that only fell down 50 years ago worth investigating at great length at Phillpotstown.

by Roestown Reporter Tue May 29, 2007 12:25

Text Alert just in from Collierstown:

Heavy machinery has moved in on the graveyard at Collierstown!
The site is being filled in.
It's a disaster!
All hands on deck!

by Muireann Ni Bhrolchain - Campaign Tue May 29, 2007 14:10

Statement from the Campaign to Save Tara

Construction workers flatten Collierstown graveyard
This morning diggers flattened the Collierstown graveyard site at Tara. Diggers are now threatening the huge Baronstown site as well as the new unnnamed site close by. There was still archaeological excavation going on on that site. The conservationists are calling for support from the public in general, politicians and the academic community as well.
There is no need to work in the Gabhra Valley at present - this is the central section of the proposed route. Work could be carried out at the Dunshaughlin end and the Navan section.
The make up of the new government is still uncertain and the Valley should be preserved and left untouched at least until the new government is put in place.
Here are the aerial shots of the sites in question http://s168.photobucket.com/albums/u167/muireanntemair/...hots/

Muireann Ní Bhrolcháin
Campaign to Save Tara

087-9249510
Vigil phone number: 086-1758557

by Roestown Wed May 30, 2007 12:15

This item includes a photo of Collierstown covered over that happened yesterday morning. There are more people required. Those that have been there over the past week and a half are exhausted.
The Collierstown site has been covered over gently with infill and has not been compacted by the machinery.
The damage to Baronstown is more destructive although not as extensive.
Yesterday protesters had to go quite extreme lengths to stop the machinery. The NRA called the gardaí who took names but took no further action. When one of the Spanish men in charge made a fuss they only threatened to take his name.
The local farmer in the nearby house came to the aid of one of the protesters yesterday morning to stop the machinery.
All work stopped and eventually in mid-afternoon the offending machine was removed gently from the huge Baronstown site and was taken away from the area. Another machine lies idle in the field - the cows have returned.

Baronstown damage 29 May 2007

Baronstown rings 29 May 2007

Bones again at Collierstown 29 May 2007

Bones Baronstown 29 May 2007

Collierstown covered over May 29 2007

by Roestown Wed May 30, 2007 12:21

Today there is greater calm in the area. The machinery has pulled back to Trevet. Find bags with bones have been found by a conservationist.
There are reports of 6 souterrains in the Lismullin henge area. Two bodies were reportedly found in the area - no reference to this in the drawings provided by the NRA. The report from ACS originally said that it was one body - now there are two but originally conservationists were told that there were three.

Crushed bones Collierstown 29 May 07

Damage again Baronstown 29 May 2007

Damage at Baronstown 29 May 07

Damage done Baronstown 29 May 07

Features Baronstown 29 may 07

by Roestown Wed May 30, 2007 12:27

The machine finally moved away. Negotiations were quiet and dignified. The workers were told of the importance of the area. One expressed an opinion that he might not return to the site again.
This is the second time a worker has said that they had not signed up for this type of work and had not expected it to be the way it is.

Machine bucket Baronstown 29 May 07

Machine leaving the site Baronstown 29 May 07

Machine moving off carefully Baronstown 29 May 07

Machine stopped in its tracks Baronstown 29 May 07

Machine used to damage Baronstown 29 May 07

by Roestown Wed May 30, 2007 12:30

And finally for this time ...

More bones Baronstown 29 May 2007

More crushed bones Collierstown

More damage Baronstown 29 May 07

by hmmm Wed May 30, 2007 12:37

Are JCB drivers qualified to decide if human remains are really neolithic or not much fresher? It's just I reckon a grave yard is one of the most popular & practical places to hide a dead body (as well as arms BTW) & for a while now I've reckoned it wouldn't be too unsurprising if a few recently killed (since 1922) people ended up in county Meath graves. I'm basing this public musing on personal experience, I live in an area which sees constant archaelogical excavations & myself had to deliver a human leg bone (which I took out of a dog's mouth) to the local copshop whence it was sent (they assured me) to the local military who do the forensics and then I suppose (but don't know) it found its way to the archaelogists or museum. All I know is the local council then left a section of "drop away flooring" in the new market to show tourists the remains of a 13th century convent and crusader graves and included "finds of human remains date the settlement" on the info-board. But just around the corner the "drop away flooring" & infoboards tell us the empty hole of dirt was a roman and the "finds of human remains date the settlement". I'm pretty sure that at first untrained glance there's not much difference between human remains at 2000, 1000, 100 or even 40 years if they've been left in soil. Indeed according to this site dry decay begins between 60 days and one year after death. http://www.deathonline.net/decomposition/decomposition/...y.htm

by Roestown Wed May 30, 2007 12:38

Irish Times, Wednesday 30 May 2007
Tara campaigners urge removal of bulldozers from sensitive sites
Gillian Hamill
"Save Tara" campaigners yesterday appealed for bulldozers to withdraw from senstive sites at least until a new government is formed.
They said they were dismayed yesterday when construction workers "backfilled" medieval Collierstown cemetery in preparation for the new M3 motorway in Co Meath. They said diggers also attempted to fill in the Baronstown site which spans approximately two acres, but this had to be called off when campaigners refused to "give ground".
The campaigners believe the Gabhra Valley should be preserved and left untouched at least until the make-up of the new government has been finalised.
Muireann Ní Bhrolcháin of Campaign to Save Tara said: "The Green Party and Labour committed to preserving the site, and several Independents could also be brought on board. We plan to talk to everybody involved within the next fortnight."
However, Mary Deevy, archaeologist for the National Roads Authority (NRA), said "From my understanding, construction workers are perfectly entitled to work everywhere on the proposed scheme from an archaeological point of view, excluding the Lismullin section.
"We leave archaeological sites for as long as possible in case another expert wants to look at them. However, we had fully finished all our work at Collierstown . . . it had been excavated extensively for months.
The construction company was free to carry out work there and from a health and safety viewpoint, the very deep ditches surrounding the cemetery posed a risk," Ms Deevy said.

.........................................................................
Letters, Irish Times Wednesday 30 May 2007
TARA AND THE M3 MOTORWAY
Madam, - The recent discovery of the ancient Lismullin ritual site and other antiquities proves once and for all that Tara consists of more than just the monuments on the hill. Reversing the planning decision to run a short section of the M3 through the Tara/Skryne valley would preserve Ireland's greatest ancient monument.
In the short term this might be seen as a sacrifice of economic benefit in favour of heritage. But in the longer term this may not be the case. To borrow a phrase from the American vernacular, "They ain't making it any more". With proper management, the recent discoveries by NRA archaeologists could turn the site into a far greater tourist attraction than it now is.
Tourism is one of the few industries that cannot be moved offshore. Ireland's unique antiquities, and the beauty of its unspoilt landscape can only become more important economically as world prosperity grows and tourism increases.
The new Minister for the Environment should have the courage and foresight to divert this short section of the M3 before a unique and irreplaceable archaeological landscape is damaged forever. - Yours, etc,
NIAMH WHITFIELD, Faroe Road, London W14.
.................................................
Madam, - I wonder what percentage of Fianna Fáil members and supporters know the origin of the party's name. I suspect very few do.
It is often translated as "Soldiers of Destiny", but this is more a slogan which was deemed appropriate rather than the original meaning. The word "Fáil" comes from "Liath Fáil", the High King's inauguration stone on the Hill of Tara. It represents the nation; hence the term "Fir Fáil" effectively meaning men of Ireland.
The "Fianna", most will know, was the army of the High King but most will not know that they fought and lost their last battle in the Gowra (Gabhra) valley - yes, the one that's having a motorway built through it. The road will cover the Gowra stream which is the most mentioned waterway in Irish-language literature.
Finally, for information, the location where this "Henge" has been found is where King Cormac had a huge corn mill built, hence the name Lismullin (Lios an Mhuillinn - Fort of the Mill). It is documented as the first mill in Ireland. Given the devastation around Tara, Dev must be turning in his grave. - Is mise,
CIARÁN MAC SAMHRÁIN, Kilmainham, Dublin 8.

by Muireann Ni Bhrolchain - Campaign to Save Tara Wed May 30, 2007 12:55

For infomation:
There is a second camp established at Rath Lugh now as well as the original camp at Tara. There are a few Tarawatch members at the Rath Lugh camp.
If anyone is going up the following are always useful, credit for 086 and 087 phones. Batteries for cameras, memory cards for cameras, cigarettes, rolled tobacco, food of course.
If by any chance people have cameras or even mobile phones that they want to part with, digital cameras, then they would be welcome as well. I know - that's probably pushing it!
If visiting the protest sites hot coffee and soup is a godsend especially when the weather is unpleasant as today.
Some legal advice would not go astray either.
Vigil number again 086-1758557

by Morrigan Wed May 30, 2007 15:20

Hi
I hope you manage to stop the destruction of this important site.
Looking at the pictures of the crushed bones reminded me of what happened along the Channel Tunnel rail link through Kent where I come from.
Local archeologists wern't allowed to help excavate. The comapny in charge got a group in from elsewhere. I can't remember which group.
The whole thing was done on the quiet. Occassionaly you would get the odd newspaper article. A few people who managed to get some access to the sites were horrified to see human bones and cremation burial urns just lying around crushed by bull dozers.
They tried to keep quiet the find of a neolithic Longhouse untill someone made such a fuss they allowed the public to see it.
There were even rumours that an Anglo-Saxon cemetary had been destroyed without proper excavation because they were behind with the construction.

Good luck and I hope you stop them from destroying Tara.

by Roestown Wed May 30, 2007 23:54

It is worth a reminder - join the protesters, they need all support possible. Ring the Vigil phone for site information : 086-1758557.
Also worth a reminder - the Baronstown site from the air. A spectacular site that has yet to be fully interpreted. This is another reason for not destroying it. Apart from anything else - are we sure what this is? Not just a ringfort as the NRA say. This is an extract from their M3 site and their discussion of the site:
"The date of the main enclosure is still unclear. In size and shape it resembles a ringfort. The only diagnostic find from the site was a sherd of probable Bronze Age pottery from a pit not stratigraphically related to any of the enclosures.
As discussed above, it is not uncommon to find earlier features under ringforts and this pit may be an indication of such earlier activity or it may yet be revealed that the main enclosures are also Bronze Age."

Are Irish people not entitled to view their ancient sacred heritage sites? There are possible links between the ancient past and the recent present.
Locals remember that their mothers used to bring them here at the summer solstice, they call it the Feasting place and they had picnics there before attending fires lit at various places in the Valley - that is living memory.
But when the site was investigated - there were ancient animal bones found on site as well.
The archaeological company does not have the expertise to take into account the local folklore or cultural archaeology or indeed do not generally have a knowledge of the place names or their meaning. They did not know that Gabhra Valley meant the Valley of the White Mare and the link with the henge, a dog burial and ritual importance of this area. In fact generally, they do not have a knowledge of the Irish language and do not speak Irish.

Baronstown - aerial shot

by Tomás Thu May 31, 2007 00:12

Does anyone have a link to a site which will give the full archaeological study of the Collierstown graveyard that was destroyed on Tuesday? Just looking at the NRA website and while they give Testing Reports, they don't give the full reports of any of the sites.

by Roestown Thu May 31, 2007 00:31

That is the problem - there are no full archaeological reports. Collierstown was/is an extraordinary burial site, unique in Ireland apparently. No wonder there are so many rumours abounding - there is no proper reporting. But this from someone who knows: and that was a long time ago. This is why these sites should not be destroyed by bulldozers now. We still do not know the significance of them.
....................................................................................................
A unique burial monument at Tara
By - Joe Fenwick.
The discovery of a monument type previously unknown to Irish archaeology is something to be celebrated. As it lies within the Gabhra Valley its discovery is all the more significant.
Preliminary test-trenching in advance of the construction of the M3 motorway had identified the presence of an unusual sequence of burials at Collierstown - a little to the south and mid-way between the hills of Tara and Skreen. The mixed burial traditions, so-far revealed, consist of several pit-burials (some containing cremations), three stone-lined cist graves and an alignment of four burial mounds or barrows. The chronological range of burial type suggests this cemetery - likely to have been deliberately located at an important territorial boundary - was in use during the first few centuries AD at a time when Romano-British burial practices were first being introduced to Ireland. This is a uniquely important addition to the corpus of monuments that define Tara's landscape; but these preliminary findings tell only part of the story.
Additional geophysical investigations, undertaken by Target Archaeological Geophysics in 2005, have unwittingly revealed the sub-surface remains of large enclosures encircling the barrows in addition to the presence of a most unusual square-ditched enclosure, measuring 15m by 15m, with centrally placed pit. The presence of the latter is particularly exciting as it bears all the hall-marks of burial type previously found only in Britain and France. Square-ditched enclosures, sometimes containing chariot burials, are a feature of the Iron Age Arras culture in Yorkshire (2nd century BC). Similar burial traditions, though dating to the early centuries AD, can be found in Wales and eastern Scotland. Square-ditched burial enclosures of Iron Age La Tène tradition also occur in the Champagne region of France. Perhaps the exquisitely fashioned bronze horse-bit of native La Tène craftsmanship (currently housed in the National Museum of Ireland), which is provenanced to the Gabhra valley, may yet be traced to its original context.
© Village Magazine, 27th. April 2006.

by W. Finnerty. Thu May 31, 2007 08:26

As far as I know "the exquisitely fashioned bronze horse-bit of native La Tène craftsmanship (currently housed in the National Museum of Ireland)" was found in Attymon, County Galway. There is a photograph and some information about this 2,000 year old item about three-quarters way down the following page: http://homepage.tinet.ie/~williamfinnerty/chaplefinnert...2.htm

Talking of unusual ancient heritage sites being completely destroyed, please see the one at http://homepage.tinet.ie/~williamfinnerty/grange.htm , which is near Attymon.

According to local reports, the very unusual site at the address just above (near the Hill of Grange) was destroyed with the use of a government grant, and possibly done deliberately in order to make it more easy for Galway County Council to locate a huge rubbish dump which they plan to open near the world famous Turoe Stone, and which is believed by many to be the most important piece of Celtic stone-art in the world. (More at http://homepage.eircom.net/~williamfinnerty/protest/nov...e.htm .)

To add to the intrigue, I note that "Joe Fenwick is a graduate of University College, Dublin (UCD) and the National University of Ireland, Galway", and that he "was previously employed in the Department of Archaeology (NUI,Galway) as a Contract Lecturer (1997 - 2000)" - as stated at http://www.nuigalway.ie/archaeology/joe_fenwick.html .

Also, Attymon is just a 30 minute drive or so from NUI Galway, as is the Turoe Stone, which sits on the Esker Riada: and which is possibly the oldest and most historic road in the world.

I'm sure there is an explanation for this strange set of circumstances, conflicting information, and apparent ignorance regarding the La Tène bronze horse-bit (and the amazing archaeological environment it was found in), and I'd really love to know what it is?

Perhaps Joe Fenwick might like to tell us? - particularly when so many more of the several ancient heritage sites in the Turoe area are likely to be soon destroyed: if the present route for the planned N6 Upgrade is allowed to plough right through the Turoe & Knocknadala (Hill of Parliament) area.

Or, alternatively, perhaps Dr Connor Newman might explain his postition? I understand he also works and is based at NUI Galway, and I (for one) have often wondered why he has spent so much of his time working on Tara - and absolutely none (it would appear) on Turoe?

by Roestown Thu May 31, 2007 08:56

Message from the Vigil Keepers:
They are moving into Soldiers Hill. The Valley is getting hit at all angles. What they destroy is lost forever. We can stop this but not alone. This is Tara's most sacred Valley. We must hold them off until a new Government is formed. They will go through a National Monument. Please send help and spread the word. SOS TO ALL>
Vigil phone number: 086-1758557

by Roestown reporter Thu May 31, 2007 11:06

Friends of Tara,
Please heed this call.

Destruction workers have moved onto Soldiers Hill,
the closest point of the proposed motorway to the top of the Hill,
to the heart of the valley.

Support is urgently needed.
Small numbers, big machines.
Please contact media and pass this call on.

by Muireann Ni Bhrolchain - Campaign to Save Tara Thu May 31, 2007 11:31 muireann at savetara dot com

Statement from Campaign to Save Tara

Construction machinery moves to Castletown, Tara
As a result of the restrictions placed on construction workers in the areas of Collierstown and Baronstown the huge machines are now moving to Tara itself. There are construction machines moving to both sides of the N3 at the point where the proposed M3 would cross the existing road and where the huge interchange is planned at Blundelstown. This interchange is seen by all opposed to this route as being the worst possible part of the planned M3.
There are huge cement pipes being delivered to the archaeological sites of Castletown, Tara where there were kilns and flints found. These pipes are designed to culvert the Gabhra River. But Colliertown and Baronstown are still in danger.
There are more workers in the valley than there have been at any other time. All the machinery is lined up at Roestown and is probably intended for this area that is also very close to the restricted protection area of the henge at Lismullin.
This part of the motorway route is beside Garlow Cross and it is known locally as Soldier’s Hill. Apparently, the last stand taken by the rebels of 1798 was taken at the Gabhra Bridge and close by is the road known as Hangman’s Mile where they were hung on each side of the road.
Debbie Reilly, one of the conservationists, said: “If the interchange is built in this area not only will Tara’s landscape be destroyed but this more recent history will disappear under concrete. These local place names will have no location or context anymore”.
Link to photographs, these include aerial shots of Baronstown and Collierstown still intact: http://s168.photobucket.com/albums/u167/muireanntemair/...hots/
This is the damage done this week to these sites; http://s168.photobucket.com/albums/u167/muireanntemair/...2007/
Feel free to use these photographs. Please credit Paula Geraghty with the aerial shots.
For verification: Muireann Ní Bhrolcháin 087-9249510
Vigil Phone number for on-site information: 086-1758557

PS The ground photograph is not very good but the brown area is one of the archaeological sites. The top of the Hill is fully visible at the back. This site is on the slope running down from the top of the Hill. This is the area of the planned interchange.
Included also the NRA map of the interchange and the aerial shot with the motorway track superimposed.

Brown area at rear - Castletown site - top of the hill behind

Interchange at Tara

Impact at Tara

by W. Finnerty. Thu May 31, 2007 14:14

My research over the past several years suggests the damage and destruction ancient heritage sites in the Republic of Ireland are being subjected to is being done with the full support of senior members of the legal profession; and, that without such support, the damage and destruction in question could not possibly be happening on the scale that it is, and for so long.

Basically, and by both "deed and omission", the lawyers have produced unconstitutional - and consequently unlawful - legislation (with the help of the "elected representatives" and President Mary McAleese), which permits PPP (public-private partnership) projects such as the M3 (Tara) and the N6 Upgrade (Turoe) to plough through what are probably the two most important sets of man-made heritage sites on the Island of Ireland. (Turoe appears to have been the Iron Age Capital of Ireland, and Tara appears to have been the Bronze Age Capital.)

Then, to round things off nicely, the legal profession (overall) ensure that nobody can successfully challenge their grossly corrupt activities - either in the courts of law, or anywhere else. In addition, by way of "icing on the cake", it is also relatively for them, using plenty of surreptitious intimidation, to arrange for anybody who really gets in their way to be corruptly criminalised; and, if that fails, they can always force the person/s to leave the country (as in my own case): so that they have to live indefinitely in forced-exile under the threat of being corruptly criminalised if they return, in addition to being imprisoned possibly.

At the same time, UNSUCCESSFUL challenges to the unconstitutional legislation in question are permitted of course, and in addition to be being very profitable for the lawyers who benefit financially, these "Punch & Judy" farces also make for excellent "window dressing" - which is very easily swallowed (hook, line, and sinker) by a public which has little or no knowledge of the law, and who consequently can easily be tricked and "spun" into believing almost any kind of nonsense that the legal profession, and their "elected representative" public-servant mouthpieces deliver on their behalf for them.

If I remember correctly, the High Court "challenge" some time back between Vincent Salafia and Judge Thomas Smythe cost the taxpayers something in the region of 600,000 Euros. A lot of good all that did, as can be seen from the photographs above. But, is Gerard Hogan (Senior Council) out of pocket in any way I wonder?

Anyway, things are changing slightly now for the "fat cats", in that they are being informed DIRECTLY about this particular set of problems - and in a very PUBLIC way: as can be seen at the following address: http://www.europeancourtofhumanrightswilliamfinnerty.co...l.htm .

As can also be seen at the above address, those informed TODAY about the present heritage situation at Tara (M3) and Turoe (N6) include Mr Peter Sutherland (Former Attorney General of the Republic of Ireland, Chairman of Goldman Sachs International Bank, and Steering Committee Member of the Bilderberg Group), and Chief Justice John L. Murray (Republic of Ireland).

In addition, the several "public servants" concerned have been informed in a manner whereby people like RTE's "Chief News Correspondent" Charlie Bird has been advised in a way that could be proved in a court of law later on (if necessary). Should people like Mr Bird continue to be silent on these issues, and at the same time the present destruction at Tara continues, he may yet have to explain why he said nothing in any of his TV newscasts about it, and do so in a court of law perhaps

Before anybody rushes in and accuses me of imagining or inventing things, and with some considerable hesitation, I feel I should point out that I have many years experience of investigating problems relating to Quality Assurance Systems, and that I have worked for some of the largest companies in the world (on a freelance basis) seeking out hidden flaws in their often very complicated operating systems. Also, and in so far as I can recall, there has not been any case (to date) where I got things seriously wrong.

One further point: in so far as I can judge, the legal profession has absolutely no overall Quality Assurance System WHATSOEVER in place at the present time in the Republic of Ireland. If they had, and if it was being properly implemented, policed, and maintained, there is no way that the most important man-made heritage complexes in the Republic of Ireland jurisdiction would be under such threat for so long: and, please note, with absolutely no sign of a let up, despite all the protests, letters to newspapers from the world's leading academics, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera.

In so far as far as I can judge, either the legal profession is successfully challenged - very rapidly and very vigorously now - regarding the unconstitutional legislation they have saddled us all with during the past 10 years or so, or, many of the hugely important heritage sites close to the Hill of Tara (Meath) and the Hill of Turoe (Galway) will be lost, and they'll be lost forever - both to ourselves, and to our descendants.

William Finnerty (http://www.europeancourtofhumanrightswilliamfinnerty.com )

by Roestown reporter Thu May 31, 2007 14:53

Following negotiation with the gatekeepers, all heavy machinery
has now been removed from the Soldier Hill area on both sides of the N3.

The gardai visited and took names, dates of birth, and contact details for all the protestors.
Despite objections from the protestors, a company representative who was also present
filmed these details being given. The protestors were told they would be arrested if they
refused to give their details in spite of them being recorded by the construction crew.

A local supporter also refused to give her details until the construction observer withdrew
at which point the garda requested him to move back. The garda left shortly afterwards.

While this was happening, more machinery attempted to reenter the graveyard at Collierstown.
This was also blocked and has now retreated as far as Trevet, the location of the covered tunnel
discovered last week. According to an independent archaeologist who visited the area with
some of the protestors, this now seems to be an 18th/19th century culvert.

The negotiation of this withdrawal from Collierstown included the protestors facilitating engineers to take soil samples in controlled areas.

A visiting construction manager was overheard saying on the phone that they
should buy up all the machinery in the Auto Trader magazine. What is the rush?
What do these companies have to fear from a newly formed government?

This is a big deal - this destruction must be put on hold at least until a new government is formed,
and a formal decision is made.

:-
Vigil Phone number for on-site information: 086-1758557
Text your support if you can't be there!

by Indy.ie Ljubljana Correspondent Thu May 31, 2007 16:01

'Despite objections from the protestors, a company representative who was also present
filmed these details being given. The protestors were told they would be arrested if they
refused to give their details in spite of them being recorded by the construction crew.'

Please, more details about this.

I wonder if the construction crew workers understood the legal implications for themselves with this sort of action? And, the company too.

This is a tactic that could open a pandora's box that could get rather nasty and personal with the workers and activists involved.

Please write down every detail you have on the company that was using this tactic and publish it here.

by Roestown Thu May 31, 2007 19:04

If you want to act for Tara, please be there tomorrow.
RTE cameras arriving at 9am. Even if you cannot stay get there for the morning. Pass this on to anyone and everyone you know.
Gerry Ryan Show is also showing an interest for tomorrow morning.
Today was very interesting indeed.
People are also invited to the Vigil fire tomorrow night for a solidarity celebration with Rossport.

by Roestown Fri Jun 01, 2007 08:10

A reminder for today. If you want to act for Tara, please be there today.
RTE cameras arriving at 9am. Even if you cannot stay get there for the morning. Pass this on to anyone and everyone you know.
Gerry Ryan Show is also showing an interest for today.
For locations today: ring the Vigil 086-1758557
People are also invited to the Vigil fire tomorrow night for a solidarity celebration with Rossport.

by W. Finnerty. Fri Jun 01, 2007 14:10

An effort has been made earlier today to try and directly confront some of the lawyers and bankers who I believe are primarily responsible for "PPP Driven" destruction of some of our most important heritage sites.

I further believe that unless most of the senior lawyers in question can somehow be induced - SOON - to significantly change their extremely low-quality thinking ("sub-human" might best describe it?) relating to the protection of major heritage complexes in Ireland, there really is no stopping the present "PPP Driven" destruction at Tara (Meath), which I suspect will soon be followed at Turoe (Galway).

I find it particularly interesting that the lawyers in question appear to be lead by the great "Patriot" himself: Minsister for Justice Michael McDowell TD ("Blderberg Man").

For anybody interested, the text of the e-mail I used this morning, together with the lists of those it was sent to, has now been copied - with the Yahoo internet message identification and tracking information - to the following location: http://www.europeancourtofhumanrightswilliamfinnerty.co...l.htm .

For those not yet familiar with the ways of the "PPP Swindlers", who seek "political control" as well as "loot" apparently, please see the Executive Intelligence Review article at http://www.larouchepub.com/other/2006/site_packages/eco....html .

The international PPP bankers certainly now seem to have got all the "political control" they could possibly ever wish for in the Republic of Ireland? (So much for democracy!!)

And what better way to locate ancient heritage "loot" than to deliberately create an excuse to dig and bulldoze in what are probably the two most important man-made heritage complexes in the country?

Last but not least, what better way to undermine a people and a nation, than to demean, damage and destroy as many of their most important heritage sites as possible?

It would appear that Bunreacht na hEireann (the Constitution of the Republic of Ireland) is "surplus to requirement" as far as the "PPP Brand" of the New World Order is concerned? - and that our completely stupid, but at the same time grossly arrogant legal profession has fully bought into all of the "PPP Swindlers" trickery?

Of course there might be more to it than stupidity and arrogance? - and with thoughts of secret Swiss bank accounts in my mind, I'll leave it at that for now.

by Roestown Fri Jun 01, 2007 18:55

The news piece recorded today was aired on RTE news at 6.25 this evening. It featured Baronstown, an interview with one of the Vigil keepers and some footage of the blockade at Roestown compound this afternoon. The NRA had a comment but not an interview.
Thanks to everyone who came today. There were more than before - lets get the numbers growing all the time.
More to follow later with photos.

by Roestown Fri Jun 01, 2007 22:54

These photographs were taken today during the visit of RTÉ crew to the sites and the protest area. The destruction to the Baronstown site is clearly visible. That is the darker area of earth where the banks have been destroyed completely. This is not an infilled site but pure, unmitigated destruction. This was taken from the huge spoilheap of earth taken from the site.
Also taken from the top of the huge spoilheap are the photographs of a new site. This was also seen in the aerial shots and was not part of the original 38 sites.

Damage at Baronstown June 1 2007

Damaged Baronstown June 1 2007

New site from Baronstown spoilheap June 1 2007

New unnamed site June 1 2007

New site facing towards Collierstown June 1 2007

by Roestown Fri Jun 01, 2007 23:21

Bones left at the side of the site. Also a view from the Baronstown spoilheap towards to the henge area. Rath Lugh is visible in the background.
This shows at ground level what the aerial shots have shown already - the mosaic of sites in the Valley and their unmistakable proximity to one another.

View to Rath Lugh from Baronstown spoilheap June 1 2007

Bones at Baronstown June 1 2007

The bones again

by Roestown Sat Jun 02, 2007 00:39

The pictures tell the story but here's the words.
Protesters sit down at one gate.
Machinery is seen behind them.
The road cleaner went up and down the road constantly, tipping the protesters toes and holding up traffic.
From the gate across the road, machinery approaches protesters and blocks the traffic.
The protesters are not on the road at all.

Sit down begins Roestown June 1 2007

Machinery behind them Roestown June 1 2007

Cleanest road in Ireland Roestown June 1 2007

Machine crossing the road Roestown June 1 2007

Protesters on the side of the road Roestown June 1 2007

by Roestown Sat Jun 02, 2007 00:50

Traffic begins to back up to the right hand side of the protesters - stopped by the construction machinery trying to cross the road.
The build up can be seen under the huge wheels of the machines.
The construction workers block the road to the left of the protesters. Anything that happens now is not visible to the public. The RTE cameras are gone. The drivers are getting very angry with both protesters and with the construction workers. Agreed that traffic will be allowed through due to one very distraught driver. Protesters agree to move.
The workers are now standing in the way - traffic still at a stand still for about 10 minutes. The protesters talk to the drivers who have been upset and delayed and explain the situation.

Traffic backs up to the right Roestown June 1 2007

View from under the machine Roestown June 1 2007

Construction traffic blocks road to the left Roestown June 1 2007

Protesters gone from blockade Roestown June 1 2007

Machines still don't move Roestown June 1 2007

by Roestown Sat Jun 02, 2007 01:10

The left hand side of the protesters and the construction company blocking the road and blocking the view of the public to anything that might happen in this space.
Instead of crossing the road, the machine that had blocked the road reversed back to the field that it was emerging from originally.
Once they move the machine the traffic flows normally.
The protesters move to stand in front of the machines again. The Gardaí arrive and prolonged negotiations take place.
Please note that the machine behind the protesters has been running for a number of hours and the engine has always been turned off. Now there is no driver, the engine is running and the door is open. Health and safety?
Protesters agree to allow the construction machinery to move again.
The relationship with the ordinary workers is generally friendly - the banter is about football, Meath V Dublin and the like.
While this is going on at one point of the depot on the Dunsany-Dunshaughlin road there is another blockade on the Dunshaughlin-Trim road. This reporter was not present for that particular scenario.
The participants were caught on video as shown on the RTE clip but his photo has not been displayed here to respect his privacy. Neither are there photos of the irate drivers.
The RTE piece can be viewed at
Richard Dowling, North-East Correspondent, reports on the sit-down
protest at the construction site
http://www.rte.ie/news/2007/0601/6news.html

The blockade to the left of protesters Roestown June 1 2007

Traffic moving Roestown June 1 2007

Machine backed in and negotiations with the Gardaí

Heritage patrol and backed up machinery Roestown June 1 2007

Empty cab and running engine Roestown June 1 2007

by Seamuseen Sat Jun 02, 2007 09:34

Thank you protesters - from all of us in different parts of the world who cannot physically be there with you, but who are there along side you in spirit as best we can.

You are being good to Ireland, and let us now all hope and pray that Ireland will be good to you in return.

by W. Finnerty. Sat Jun 02, 2007 11:42

"Today, to ensure the enforcement of whatever unjust legislation government passes, a government-contrived legal obligation bans attorneys, solicitors, lawyers and barristers from presenting evidence which exonerates defendants, if it 'disputes the law'."

"In shameful meek obedience, lawyers do not dispute the ‘law’ even when its enforcement is manifest injustice."

"This comprises one major reason why Trials by Jury have become so infrequent."

"It also results in the West’s largest prison population of all time, consisting principally of harmless citizens innocent of any crime; while the real crimes go unsolved and largely unchallenged; and the accountable progenitors of crime and their servitors, the hardened dangerous criminals, go scot free..."

The above texts have been taken from "The Democracy Defined Campaign" web site at page http://www.democracydefined.org/democracydefinedcampaig...wyers

by Cutty Sark Sat Jun 02, 2007 13:20

Thank you for highlighting the issues , everyone in the Tara campaign.
Maybe someone could do a brief re-cap of the week and tie it all together?

by Michael Canney - Campaign to Save Tara Sat Jun 02, 2007 17:15

The tactics now being employed by SIAC/Ferrovial in bocking public roads with the intention of turning public opinion against the protesters represent a serious escalation of tensions on the frontline along the proposed route.
In short what is now taking place is this; protesters take up positions blocking site access and depots. When this happens SIAC/Ferrovial immediately abandon machinery on the adjacent public road and sit back to watch irate motrorists abusing protesters.
Obviously turing public opinion against the protesters is seen as an important first step in marginalising and evertually moving in on protesters. A new UK based security team has been moved in and senior Spanish Ferrovial officials are calling the shots on the frontline. Video cameras are being used to record protesters.
We need to find out as much as we can about Ferrivial and SIAC at a corporate and local level and we need to develop strategies for dealing with their cynical tactics.
An official complaint was made to the Guards yesterday about the blocking of public roads but I don't expect this to go anywhere. An interesting statement from the Seargent at the protests yesterday - " We don't want this to turn into another Mayo."
I strongly suspect that this is exactly the level of anger and possible violence that SIAC/Ferrovial want to ferment over the next few weeks.

by W. Finnerty. Sun Jun 03, 2007 14:58

SIAC Construction Ltd and Ferrovial Agroman are large construction companies basically - as can be seen at http://company.monster.ie/siacie .

These construction companies can only do what our corrupt lawyers and politicians allow them to do, with the help of their over-compliant police force, and with the money provided by the "PPP Swindlers".

If the Tara protesters get involved in physical and psychological conflict with these construction companies and their representatives, they will be challenging and attacking the wrong target (in my view): which is EXACTLY what our corrupt politicians and the leaders of our corrupt legal profession want to see happen I suspect, so that they can just sit back and watch, and laugh at no doubt.

I still believe that it's the corrupt legal profession, and its rock-solid support for unconstitutional legislation, that is primarily to blame for the present situation at Tara; and, that it is the leaders of our legal profession that need to be vigorously challenged: FIRST and FOREMOST.

That said, I have to admit that I'm sure how to challenge the outrageously and shamelessly corrupt leaders of our legal profession effectively: other than to try and shame them in public, and to name them (digitally and forever hopefully) for future generations on the internet.

If future generations cannot have their ancient archaeological cultural heritage protected and passed on to them by our generation, it may be some consolation for them to know the names of the prime movers and facilitators responsible for the unlawful damage and destruction now taking place in areas such as Tara.

"In an unforgivable meretricious (prostitute-like) act of obsequious (servile and fawning) criminality, for pay, the lawyer adopts the perjury and subreption (concealing of the truth) of not presenting evidence which exonerates defendants." - where the "defendants" in this case are the people who are trying to protect the ancient heritage complex of Tara intact. (The quote comes from http://www.democracydefined.org/democracydefinedcampaig...wyers .)

At the very end of this long process, it may be that the Hill of Tara complex will be severely demeaned and damaged because of a very large pool (or cesspit more like?) of extremely cowardly lawyers who REMAIN completely afraid it seems to stand up for the very law which they are the main custodians of?

If the professional lawyers won't stand up for the law, how can anybody else in society do so?

And, in such circumstances (i.e. the end-game), does it make any sense to believe that construction workers, bankers, police, or even the politicians themselves, can help in any way now to stop the culturally disastrous destruction taking place at Tara (at this extremely late stage)?

Of course things should never have been allowed to get to this stage I realise, but that argument now seems irrelevant at this "10 minutes to midnight" point in time.

by Surfer Rosa Mon Jun 04, 2007 22:05

Try to block access to any site in Ireland, any business, any factory, and see if the workers get angry.....
You are attacking their income.
You are fighting the wrong enemy, your battle was lost long ago, against a different oponent.....

by Muireann Ni Bhrolchain - Campaign to Save Tara Mon Jun 04, 2007 23:33 muireann at savetara dot com

PRESS RELEASE - CAMPAIGN TO SAVE TARA

Protesters Claim M3 Contractors are Blocking Public Roads
There was severe traffic disruption on public roads adjacent to the proposed M3 motorway site entrances at Dunshaughlan, Co. Meath on a number of days last week. The disruption was particularly acute at Cookstown, north-west of Dunshaughlan on Friday afternoon when vehicles belonging to construction contractors were abandoned for up to an hour and a half, straddling a public road.

In a tactic that appears to be deliberate, contractors were instructed by Spanish officials from the construction conglomerate SIAC/Ferrovial, who were awarded the contract to build and operate the proposed tolled motorway through the Tara/Skryne Valley, to switch off their engines and abandon their vehicles as soon as protesters appeared on the roadside adjacent to the site-access points.

Protesters claim that this represents a significant escalation of tensions in a dispute that looks like it will be bitterly fought throughout the summer. Michael Canney, from the Campaign to Save Tara, who accompanied the protesters on Friday afternoon said, ‘These are cynical tactics designed to stir up resentment against peaceful protesters. When the road was blocked by construction vehicles the word goes out to innocent motorists that it is the protesters that are causing the delay. This in turn leads to justifiable anger amongst the general public. Thankfully, when people realize what is really going on, they direct there anger at the appropriate place – those directing this outrageous and Machiavellian strategy.’

After delays of up to an hour and a half, Gardai from Ashborne Station arrived and the construction vehicles were immediately moved off the road. Gardai at the scene were made aware of the circumstances of the disruption, and official complaints are to be lodged at Ashborne Garda Station this week.

by Roestown Tue Jun 05, 2007 18:32

Message from the protesters:

Machinery moved into Ardsallagh today where they plan a bridge on the Boyne. Specific ministerial directive here.
Support needed for tomorrow - spread the word and pass this on.
Ardsallagh can be found at Garlow Cross - the crossroads after Tara, at Tara na Rí pub and take the left hand side road at that crossroads.
For more information
Ring 086-2391098

by Tomás Wed Jun 06, 2007 01:03

Besides the recently unearthed Henge in Lismullen, Co. Meath – archaeologists have discovered a Burial Mound dating to approx. 500BC. The mound is circular in shape and is built beneath the soil blending in at ground level, distinguishing it from numerous other burial mounds throughout Ireland.

The Lismullen henge is built within a natural geomorphological basin only150 meters away, suggesting that both were construction for a related purpose; possibly to a specific design symbolic of reincarnation or the journey to the otherworld. This is possible due to their positioning on the pathway to Newgrange where the High-Kings were taken to be buried from 700 BC to the arrival of Christianity in Ireland.

The Burial Mound while consistent in many ways to other burial mounds in Ireland has a unique feature that is yet to be explained. Surrounding the mound are dozens of post holes extending outwards to around three meters, yet positioned in what seems to be a random pattern. They cover the full circumference of the mound being generally between one to two feet apart, varying in diameter from 15cm to 25cm.

If reconstructed the posts would resemble a perimeter fence preventing access to the mound, giving it a striking appearance in comparison to the other prehistoric monuments situated in the immediate vicinity. Rath Lugh is only 400m from the burial mound while 500m to the north east another burial mound extrudes from the landscape, similar to a third one that exists in front of Rath Lugh on the pathway to Tara.

Attached to the burial mound is a second circular enclosure of an undefined nature, which from appearance resembles a sun-wheel traveling clockwise around the burial mound. Its only distinguishing mark is a notable disturbance in the soil defining an imprint about one and half foot wide, which radiates into an adjoining field that hasn’t been excavated, thus limiting its explanation.

The archaeological dig is ongoing at the burial mound, as well as the Lismullen henge and a number of possible souterrains, one which has been uncovered – all in a 400m radius. In the area are also a number of linear lines, possibly resembling the stone walls that were unearthed at Clowanstown 5 feet below ground level, and which have yet to be explained; either for their positioning or possible purpose.

One poem in the metrical Dindshenchas that recalls how the mound of Achall received its name, being located a short distance away from Rath Lugh says: ‘The Mound of Finn, the Mound of the Druids, the Mound of Credine, cheek by cheek; the Mound about which was fought the famous fight, the Mound of Erc, the Mound of Achall’, may also include the reference to this particular mound, or the other mounds mentioned in the vicinity.

While the archaeological dig still continues, there is a necessity to campaign to ensure that the mound is not subsequently destroyed after its excavation like the Collierstown graveyard. This burial mound, which is unique and probably a central feature of the Lismullen henge and of the greater Tara demesne, should be preserved for its distinctiveness and its purpose as a sacred resting place of one of our ancestral forefathers.

Lismullen Burial Ground

by W. Finnerty. Wed Jun 06, 2007 09:14

A further attempt was made last Monday to demonstrate to the grossly corrupt leaders of our legal profession that they are not fooling everyone to the extent they might like to believe. For details please see at http://www.europeancourtofhumanrightswilliamfinnerty.co...l.htm

Without the powerful and ongoing form of "keystone" support which the leaders of the legal profession are providing for the unconstitutional legislation they and our corrupt politicians have created (and sustained) during the past 10 years or so, the destruction now taking place in the Hill of Tara area could not be happening in the way that it is.

Far more serious now though, is the fact that (as I see things) nothing can be done to actually STOP the unlawful destruction: unless the bogus law on which it depends is successfully challenged in the courts of law; removed from the hands of the core perpetrators of the abuse in question; and then carefully filed away in the dustbin of history.

Though few may realise it at the present time, facilities do exist (in theory) for members of the public to challenge unconstitutional legislation, as can be seen at http://www.citizensinformation.ie/categories/government...sions .

As the above address, it is very clearly stated that "The High Court has the power or 'jurisdiction' to cancel any law or part of any law that is repugnant to the Constitution. This means that if you believe that a law breaches the Constitution or your fundamental rights, you may bring 'judicial review' proceedings in the High Court."

However, when I tried to use the above facility I found that (in practice) I was blocked at every point: by smart-alec and corrupt members of the legal profession, whose help I needed.

Nevertheless, others might wish to try? - keeping in mind that I had to make my attempt from outside the Republic of Ireland jurisdiction (because I'm having to live in forced-exile to avoid being corruptly criminalised and possibly imprisoned as well), and that I have failed to find a single lawyer in the UK willing to help me in any way: in any way that is free of corruption, of one kind or another, that is.

In other words, while I have found the legal professions (in the UK and the Republic of Ireland) to be very willing in their ways about surreptitiously providing powerful support for blatant and highly destructive corruption of the kind which involves straightforward violations of the Constitution, they are equally unwilling to provide support for constructive social justice of the kind the Constitution (Bunreacht na hEireann in our case) attempts to promote and sustain.

How do you spell PERVERSE upside-down, inside out, and backwards?

Answer: The Legal Profession.

by Roestown Wed Jun 06, 2007 17:12

http://www.rte.ie/news/2007/0606/tara.html
Tara called 'endangered heritage site'
Wednesday, 6 June 2007 16:19
The World Monuments Fund has declared the Hill of Tara to be one of the 100 most endangered heritage sites.
Two other Irish sites, Vernon Mount in Cork and Richhill House in Armagh city, have also been declared 'endangered'.
The independent body said that human activity has become the greatest threat of all to the world's culture and includes Tara under a section entitled 'economic and development pressures'.
It added that Tara is at risk because 'cities and suburbs are spreading unchecked'.
'Man is indeed the enemy', said WMF president Bonnie Burnham.
She added: 'Just as we caused the damage in the first place, we have the power to repair it, by taking out responsibility as caretakers of the world's cultural heritage seriously.'
Campaigners seeking to re-route the M3 motorway around the Hill of Tara believe the WMF designation should lead to a change in Government policy.
TaraWatch is calling on the Green Party to do all in its power to have the road re-routed in its discussions with Fianna Fáil on the formation of the next Government (read more about those negotiations here).
The designation of the Hill of Tara was made following an application by the TaraWatch campaign earlier this year and an examination by an international panel of experts.
Vincent Salafia of TaraWatch is travelling to London today for talks with officials from the World Monuments Fund, which could lead to funding for an independent archaelogical report on the proposed motorway.
Since its beginnings, the Fund has given €35m in grants to 214 sites in 74 countries.
The group has already said it is committed to taking legal action if Environment Minister Dick Roche allows the National Roads Authority to destroy the recent major find at Lismullen.
A spokesman for the Minister said he would not be commenting on the announcement from the World Monument Fund until he had received and read material from the organisation.
The Fund first produced the list in 1995 and says that 75% of its Watch sites have been saved or are now out of danger thanks to timely intervention.
Also listed in the economic and development pressures section are Machu Picchu, Peru; St Petersberg Skyline, Russia; Old Damascus, Syria; Hasankeyf, Turkey; and Rock art at Dampier, Australia.

by Michael Canney - Campaign to Save Tara Wed Jun 06, 2007 17:59

The Campaign to Save Tara today welcomed the World Monument Fund decision to include Tara on their list of the 100 ‘most endangered sites’. International opinion, particularly among the academic community, and in North America has been vocal in their calls for
proposed M3 motorway to be routed away from the Hill of Tara.

According to Dr. Muireann Ni Bhrolchain of the Campaign to Save Tara,
‘The government ignored the 2005 statement that was signed by 350
academics from all over the world, including such eminent archaeologists as Barry Cunliffe and Martin Biddle. Perhaps at this, the eleventh hour, the government in waiting will listen to the concerns of the world about the status of Tara and re-route out the Gabhra Valley.’

This new designation will bring further pressure on the Government to accept the need for a rethink of this potentially disastrous route selection. It also adds weight to arguments that the whole Tara area should have been considered a 'complex of monuments' at the outset.

The recent discovery of a new National Monument at Lismullen has thrown into question the accuracy and competence of the NRA-funded archaeological process, which to date has cost over €40 million.

'This designation comes at a time when negotiations are reaching a
critical time for the formation of a potential Fianna Fail/Green Party
coalition. The Green Party has been consistently strong on this issue
and we hope that it will further bolster their position in relation to
the necessity for a re-route of the proposed motorway.' Michael Canney
of the Campaign added.

The proposed M3 motorway was to have commenced construction in the summer of 2006 but due to unforeseen archaeological discoveries,
particularly at Lismullen, construction proper is yet to begin along
the controversial stretch between Navan and Dunshaughlin. Archaeological investigations were originally estimated to cost €10
million but this figure has risen to over €40 million.

Ongoing protests along the route are causing disruption and delay with
contractors estimating that work stoppages have cost €50,000 in the last three weeks since archaeology was wrapped up at all but a number of key sites.

The WMF is the foremost private, nonprofit organization dedicated to
The preservation of endangered architectural and cultural sites around the world. Since 1965 they have worked to stop the loss of more than 450 sites in over 80 countries. These sites are found all over the world and the 2006 list included 55 countries on all seven continents - Ireland's only site on that list is The Wonderful Barn at Leixlip, Co Kildare.

The list is announced every two years and it calls attention to the
cultural heritage sites around the world that are threatened by such
things as neglect, vandalism, armed conflict, or natural disaster. About
75% of the sites that have been placed on the Watch List have been
saved or are in the process of being saved.

Statement Ends

by Hans (Deutschland) Wed Jun 06, 2007 20:37

Für Sie Herr Roche, der Krieg ist fertig?

Für Herr Cullen und Herr McDowell auch vielleicht?

by We the People Wed Jun 06, 2007 21:22

I have read many of your Articles over the Months and would concur with many and the one above.
Is there any way we can arrange a meet as a number of us speak the same language on the subject.

We are attempting to gather some twelve or so People to establish a...........I cannot warn the enemy to what is being proposed but would value a meet if possible with the intention of getting our Country back.

Of course this involves the prevention and reversing of many events that have occured over the past number of years whether it be Tara, Mayo,Palliskenry,Aughinish and jailing the corrupt Politicians and legal mafia from our Courts as these are the REAL gangsters who stamp the orders for People to vacate their Land and Homes for their private developer friends and multinationals to make billions.

It is believed that only five or so Judges in our Courts are not bent. The rest , including nearly all the Registrars are the top gangsters in the Country. The real violatoers to our Constitution are the ones paid big bucks to supposedly protect it , and therefore ,the People.

Some years ago the Daughter of the Maltese President attended the count in the R.D.S. for the no-to-nice Treaty. She was astounded to learn how bad the corruption was in this small Country.

lets get our heads together, we have a plan, an idea. This is not to be published for obvious reasons. If you are interested let me know and I will post a contact number and can I/We can travel if you wish.

by W. Finnerty. Wed Jun 06, 2007 23:04

"We the People" puts me in mind of the following piece from President Abraham Lincoln:

"-- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth" - taken from http://showcase.netins.net/web/creative/lincoln/speeche...g.htm .

We do indeed seem to speak the same language, and I hope it will be possible for some of us to meet up sometime, somewhere.

However, and as you may already know, there is an extant warrant for my arrest in the Republic of Ireland, and I do not feel safe about going there at the present time: particularly when "they" (the featherless bustards that is) have charged me with a trumped-up criminal offence which could mean six months in jail for me. Perhaps we could meet somewhere else maybe (ie outside the Republic of Ireland)?

In the meantime, you may be interested to know that I tried to rub their noses in it a bit this morning, with an e-mail I sent to a selection of media organisations. If interested, the e-mail in question can now be viewed at http://www.europeancourtofhumanrightswilliamfinnerty.co...l.htm .

Whatever happens, and although I feel almost certain you will not need me to relate this to you, I would suggest that nobody involved underestimates the overall size of the problem; all of my research suggests that it really is HUGE, and that is extends far beyond the shores of Ireland. As I see things, it appears that political, legal, and corporate corruption (backed to the hilt by much of the "traditional" media of course) has taken on a life of its own: which is now so strong that it may in fact already be unstoppable.

Obviously, I don't fully believe that the "orgy of global corruption" actually is unstoppable (not just yet!!), or otherwise I would not be doing what I'm doing; but, at the same time, I don't think the "point of no return" is all that far off either maybe?

Related link: http://www.europeancourtofhumanrightswilliamfinnerty.co...r.htm

by Tomás Thu Jun 07, 2007 00:41

It is a national disgrace that the 2,500 yr old graveyard in Collierstown near the Hill of Tara has been destroyed by the NRA. As of yet no full archaeological report has been published, leaving the Irish public in a cloud of darkness about the heritage of the site and its importance in terms of national folklore. There has always been a tradition within Irish culture never to interfere with the graves of our ancestors – yet no attempt at preserving the graveyard through re-routing the interchanged which runs over the burial mound was contemplated.

The preliminary reports on the NRA website record only three human remains being unearthed, yet the final dig uncovered graves of at least fifty individuals, including many children buried in ceremonial alignment. The unusual layout of the burial mound automatically suggests that it is the remnants of a battlefield or an undefined tragic event, and naturally it was hoped that the archaeological dig would have uncovered sufficient evidence to enlighten the Irish public about its construction, before any further action was taken regarding its future.

Unfortunately the NRA chose to destroy the graveyard prior to any public disclosure, stealing our birthright of knowing the full value of the site and its possible connection to the kingdom of Tara. It is also disheartening to learn that the human remains uncovered at the site are to be stored for the unforeseen future in plastic containers at a warehouse rented by the National Museum – with no re-internment ceremony planned in the customary traditions of the Irish people. One must really question if there is anything sacred in this island of ours anymore and is this the precedence being set for all construction projects in the coming future, regarding burial mounds and other national monuments.

Collierstown Graveyard

by Roestown Fri Jun 08, 2007 00:49

Just a reminder that people are always needed to help with blockading and protesting.
Supplies to the camp are always welcome as well. Camera batteries, phone credit for 086 in particular, food, cigarettes, rollies etc.
Ring the Vigil phone: 086-1758557 for further on-site information.
Action has been in the Ardsallagh area for the past number of days.
Government not in place yet - the Valley needs protection now more than ever.

by Muireann Ni Bhrolchain - Campaign to Save Tara Fri Jun 08, 2007 01:18

Press Release – Campaign to Save Tara
CST urges Green Party to adopt measures regarding Tara and the M3
The Campaign to Save Tara is today urging the Green Party to adopt a number of specific measures in regard to the Tara/M3 controversy. These specific concerns must be addressed in order for the Campaign to support any Programme for Government emerging from the ongoing negotiations with Fianna Fáil.
In addition to an immediate moratorium on all work, archaeological and construction, within the Tara/Skryne Valley, pending a review based on existing heritage legislation, the Campaign argue that more robust heritage legislation would have avoided the Tara debacle. The rebalancing, in favour of infrastructure, that the 2004 legislation was intended to achieve, has gone way too far and in fact removed all meaningful and independent heritage protection in the country.
The National Monuments (Amendment) Act 2004, which in effect, allows the Minister to override the protective provisions of pre-existing National Monuments legislation needs to be re-examined. In addition, the situation whereby it is employees of the NRA who designate or otherwise archaeological finds as ‘National Monuments’ must be ended and independence restored to such assessments.
While nobody outside of Government and the NRA has been provided with an actual copy of M3 Public Private Partnership contract, despite requests from a number of heritage protection organisations, it is widely accepted that provision is made for significant archaeological discoveries. As far back as 2002, NRA and Meath County Council sources were alluding to an alternative should ‘a showstopper’ be discovered along the proposed route.
‘While the PPP contract obviously has a bearing on how the issue will be resolved, insofar as negotiations must be entered into with the franchisees of the tolled motorway, the contract itself is not the central issue. A National Monument has been discovered and existing legislation provides for a re-route of this road – what is necessary is the political will to do so.’ According to Michael Canney of the Campaign.
Dr Muireann Ni Broilchain said, ‘Our information is that internal discussions took place over a number of significant archaeological sites along the proposed route. The trouble is that these discussions took place between NRA employees, not objective independent experts. Had these other sites in the Valley been subject to independent assessment they would have also been designated as National Monuments. This ridiculous and shameful situation must end.’

by W. Finnerty. Fri Jun 08, 2007 21:38

Allowing for the facilities described at http://www.citizensinformation.ie/categories/government...sions it now seems to me that The National Monuments (Amendment) Act 2004 should, without delay, have its constitutionality checked in a manner which is INDEPENDENT of all M3 (Tara) issues.

As far as I know, this has never actually been done?

Could somebody please correct me if I am wrong? - allowing (if necessary) for all the smoke-and-mirrors play-acting by Mr Justice Thomas Smythe in the High Court, a man who I strongly suspect may be on-the-take in some way or another.

It seems obvious to me that parts of The National Monuments (Amendment) Act 2004 are extremely doubtful and shaky (to put it mildly), and it is very easy for ANYBODY to substantiate this view on account of public statements now on the internet which are attributed to Dr Gerard Hogan (Senior Council), and Trinity College Dublin Law Lecturer. One such statement reads:

"Gerry Hogan, senior counsel for Mr Salafia, claimed the legislation used to push through the project was unconstitutional. He said the National Monuments (Amendment) Act 2004 weakened the role of the Oireachtas (Ireland's national parliament) by giving the minister discretionary powers to determine the fate of the country's heritage. Mr Hogan claimed the state's duty to protect monuments had been 'seriously compromised'. (This quote has been taken from http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/20....html .)

As some will already know, "Constitutional Law" is one of Dr Hogan's specialities - first in fact on the list at http://www.tcd.ie/Law/GerardHogan.html .

In case it might not be obvious to everyone, if parts of the National Monuments (Amendment) Act 2004 are unconstitutional, then that presents a MAJOR threat for the whole nation's heritage: and not just that located in the Tara area, and not just at the present time either - but for however long such bogus law is allowed to fraudulently and corruptly masquerade as the genuine article.

Also, and for reasons which should be obvious, unconstitutional legislation seriously undermines the Constitution (Bunreacht na hEireann), which in turn undermines the sovereignty of the Republic of Ireland: a sovereignty that was achieved at great cost in terms of blood and suffering over a protracted period of some 30 generations or so.

My next question, if anybody out there can help, is how can the formal "Judicial Review" process be started?

The Government web site says: "If you wish to begin judicial review proceedings, you should contact a solicitor who will in turn brief a barrister to draft the papers for the case."

When I tried to follow the above government guidance regarding a similar issue, I found that the solicitor in question (Mr Martin Egan, Principal Lawyer at Fair & Murtagh, Athlone) never replied to the letter I sent to him through the registered post on July 16th 2004, details of which can be seen at http://www.europeancourtofhumanrightswilliamfinnerty.co...4.htm .

Similarly, with several other lawyers I tried to get help from regarding the extremely important issue of trying to root out unconstitutional legislation.

It seems the Government and the legal profession are offering this facility with one hand, and then corruptly taking it back with the other by surreptitious means.

How can I (and others) get around this problem?

Can anybody help? - keeping in mind that the constitutionality issues connected with The National Monuments (Amendment) Act 2004 are just a small part of the overall "unconstitutional legislation" problem.

There are also, for example (and it's just ONE example please note), the very deep doubts and reservations relating to "The Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act 2006" which were raised with President Mary McAleese in a letter sent to her through the registered post on June 17th 2006, and which several other senior lawyers were informed of at the same time - full details at http://www.europeancourtofhumanrightswilliamfinnerty.co...l.htm .

Despite the doubts raised at the address just above, President Mary McAleese nevertheless signed the above Act into law on July 16th 2006, and, as far as I know, she did so without making any attempt whatsoever to have its constitutionality checked by the Supreme Court - as Article 26.1.1 of Bunreacht na hEireann very clearly enables her to do (at no cost to herself).

Also, and some will already know, Article 15.4.1 of Bunreacht na hEireann clearly DEMANDS that: "The Oireachtas shall not enact any law which is in any respect repugnant to this Constitution or any provision thereof."

I sincerely hope that the new set of Oireachtas members will pay MUCH MORE attention to Article 15.4.1 than the last one appears to have done: and regardless of what the next Government (whatever its party mix) attempts to do regarding new and altered legislation.

by We the People Sat Jun 09, 2007 11:50

Good Morning W.

I am working on writing and posting on the web , a copy of the Irish text draft Constitution for all to read. This will take some time.

People who will make the little effort themselves , may obtain a copy for €19.05 fom the Govt.Publications Office Molesworth Street Dublin.

This translation is more powerful than the 'blue book' , BUNREACHT NA hEIREANN which, is itself , unconstitutional ( bizaare as it may sound ). You may contact by text to the number 087-2699772 if you wish. We need to talk.

by damien Sat Jun 09, 2007 21:50

Are you really sure you want a man that is currently a wanted man in this state, and on the run in another juristiction in order to avoid his sentencing for an asault charge "helping" in your draft ?

Is your new draft perhaps doing away with the concept of assault ? if so I can understand how it would be of interest to William. Will it be rertrospective or would William still have to pay for his crime?

by liam Sun Jun 10, 2007 10:30

hi now that Tara is on the WMF list can or will CST & Tarawatch work together,there seams to be big egos in both camps ,surely we all want the same thing.Also looks like the Greens wont get in surely this was our political hope.There needs to be a strong militant camp up at Tara to help demonstrate.
What are the steps forward ,what can we do to arrouse the nation to this crime on our most ancient and spiritual site.

by We the People Sun Jun 10, 2007 10:50

No. I'm not sure. I have never met William , but I will make a determination if I do meet with him.
I am totally unfamiliar with 'William's crime' and it is not up to me whether or not William still pays for his crime. I am not a Judge.

The draft is not my new draft. It is available , if People take the time , at Molesworth Street for €19.05 and is a must read. I only propose to post it up for lazy People.

A Person who reads it and would then put it's contents into operation effectivly in a Law Court , would then become the most wanted Man in the State.

The ISSUE , is that like minded People get their Heads together and attempt in all good faith to reverse the Treason.

by TaraWatch Sun Jun 10, 2007 16:27

Liam, you are right to say that the two main groups involved here must work in co-operation with each other. TaraWatch are open to working with any group or individual that wants to preserve Tara. We don't need to be best friends, and the individuals at the centre of the controversy don't even need to meet. What is needed is for representatives from each group to convey relevant information to one another. Otherwise, the division will only continue to diminish our campaign. Both groups have been working on important strategies. It does nobody any favours to dismiss any one strategy over another. Legal, political, academic, PR, direct action, fundraising-this campaign must be tackled from all angles, we must use everything we can to prevent the destruction of the Gabhra Valley.

As for what practical steps are to be taken here, TaraWatch have established a base at the camp in Rath Lugh, and we expect to see an increase in the numbers arriving here. Camping equipment and food supplies are always needed, especially as we hope to establish camps throughout the valley.

We are at a critical stage in this campaign-let's all pull together to win this.

by W.Finnerty. Sun Jun 10, 2007 23:10

I do intend to text you sometime within the coming few days.

Please note though that 48 hours later, I have not received any reply from anyone to my question at the Fri Jun 08, 2007 21:38 above about how the formal "Judicial Review" process can be started in connection The National Monuments (Amendment) Act 2004?

To be honest, that particular issue seems more important than any other to me just now, and particularly if it could be included in TaraWatch "from all angles" list of "Legal, political, academic, PR, direct action, fundraising" etcetera mentioned in the Sun Jun 10, 2007 16:27 slot above.

As far as the "crime" I'm supposed to have committed is concerned, please note that I consider it HIGHLY unlikely that I will ever be found guilty of any crime in the Republic of Ireland: provided that a) I am allowed to have my case heard as a "trial by jury" case; and, b) that I am given the opportunity to prepare my defence with the help of a lawyer who accepts and respects The European Convention on Human Rights Act 2003 (Republic of Ireland) which can be viewed at http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/2003/en/act/pub/0020/pri....html .

The big stumbling block (for me) is that, try as I may, I CANNOT even find a lawyer who is willing to discuss The European Convention on Human Rights Act 2003 with me, let alone use it for my defence. One of many attempts I have made to find such a lawyer can be viewed in the text of a letter I sent on December 23rd 2005 to Mr Greg Nolan (Lawyer at Hogan & Co in County Galway). The text of the letter in question can be seen at http://www.constitutionofireland.com/GregNolanLawyer23D...r.htm .

Please note that (to date) I have not received any reply from Mr Greg Nolan to the latter in question, which, as can be seen at the address just above was sent to him through the registered post. (Please also note that it is JUSTICE I seek, and not yet more INJUSTICE of the kind that is "aided and abetted" by corrupt lawyers like Mr Nolan: who, in my view, should know better than to keep on ignoring letters of the kind I sent to him on December 23rd 2005.)

Like oil and water, Human Rights Law and "PPP (Public Private Partnership) Swindlers Law" don't mix.

Changing back to the main subject, I have recently tried another few bits and pieces of naming-and-shaming regarding the unconstitutional difficulties relating to The National Monuments (Amendment) Act 2004, and the serious knock-on damage they cause relating to the sovereignty of the Republic of Ireland State.

If I can't get justice directly through the legal system (which is what I continue to seek and to hope for), I feel it can't do any harm to try and get it indirectly through the internet system. So, it was with this in mind that I sent two e-mails yesterday relating directly to the business of unconstitutional legislation: which lays at the root of the bogus and grossly corrupt criminal charge that has been brought against me, by equally corrupt "public servants" (so called) in the Republic of Ireland.

For anybody interested, the first e-mail, sent to a selection of senior lawyers, politicians, and heritage protection organisations can be seen at: http://www.europeancourtofhumanrightswilliamfinnerty.co...l.htm

The second, also sent yesterday, was primarily intended for the media; however, it was also copied to party leaders Prime Minister Bertie Ahern (Fianna Fail), Enda Kenny (Fine Gael), Trevor Sargent (Green Party), Pat Rabbitte (Labour Party), Mary Harney (PD Party), and Gerry Adams (Sinn Fein); and it can be seen at: http://www.europeancourtofhumanrightswilliamfinnerty.co...l.htm

by Roestown Mon Jun 11, 2007 11:16

We have received a message from the Vigil conservationists: numbers are low today and help is needed.
Machinery is moving in the Valley again, in the area of the site known as Dowdstown that is on Dalgan Park land.
For exact location ring the Vigil phone number - Ring 086- 1758557.
PS
Dalgan Park for information belongs to the Columban order but is a nature reserve for the people of Meath and of Ireland.
This route goes right through the Park and destroys this resource.

by Roestown Wed Jun 13, 2007 00:44

People are always needed to (wo)man the gates at various sites at Tara. For information ring 086- 1758557
Tomorrow other energies will be concentrated at the Green Party Conference. On Thursday at the Dail.
We need people at all these events. Check the Yahoo list on the site listed with this entry

by W. Finnerty. Thu Jun 14, 2007 08:33

Following the Green Party's decision last night, it now seems definite? - yet more and even worse "government of the corrupt, by the corrupt, for the corrupt".

Allowing for the facilities described at http://www.citizensinformation.ie/categories/government...sions , it appears to me that The National Monuments (Amendment) Act 2004 should now have its constitutionality checked in a manner which is independent of all the corrupt politicians.

The law is the law, is the law - or is it?

Surely it's time now we all found out for definite: one way or the other - and before it's too late for Tara.

"Gerry Hogan, senior counsel for Mr Salafia, claimed the legislation used to push through the project was unconstitutional. He said the National Monuments (Amendment) Act 2004 weakened the role of the Oireachtas (Ireland's national parliament) by giving the minister discretionary powers to determine the fate of the country's heritage. Mr Hogan claimed the state's duty to protect monuments had been 'seriously compromised'. (This quote has been taken from http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/20....html .)

The trouble is, I still don't know how to get around the practical difficulty of starting the process for having the constitutionality of The National Monuments (Amendment) Act 2004 checked?

I've not received any response to the necessary information sought at the Fri Jun 08, 2007 21:38 posting above.

by Micahel Canney - Campaign to Save Tara Thu Jun 14, 2007 20:09

In what must rate as one of the most cynical strokes in many a day, Dick Roche signed, on his last day as Minister, an order for the destruction of the National Monumnet at Lismullen.
Lismullen will be defended and we welcome the opportunity to, once and for all, focus and concentrate the minds of the people of Ireland on what they will loose should this road go ahead as planned.
This campaign is now coming to a head - those who have supported from afar must now come forward and be willing to face down these profiteers and gombeen men.
If any of you ever wanted action - then now is the time - there will be action, and lots of it.

by Anto Whelan Thu Jun 14, 2007 20:29

Lets not just leave it at this. Time for a campaign to physically stop construction. Lets see what John 'M3' Gormley does then. He'll probably send in the FF/GP cops to smash us just as the Greens and FF are doing in rossport.

by Michael Canney - Campaign to Save Tara Thu Jun 14, 2007 20:47

The main activist camp at Tara is located very close to the Hill of Tara itself. Turn right off the N3 about 3km after an Emo Service Station on your right (travelling from the Dublin direction). At the carpark adjacent to the Hill, follow the road to your right and about 300mts down you will see cars parked on the left hand side of the road. This is the camp and people there will advise you where to go from there.
There are plenty of tents and food, so even if you are not equipped for camping you are still very welcome.
If you cannot camp come up for a day, any time, the main phone number and first point of contact is 086- 1758557.

by watcher Uk Thu Jun 14, 2007 20:54

It is surely time for CST & Tarawatch to unite forces.
The fight needs to be a united front,these corrupt traitors in Govt need to know that the Tara complex is an important and spiritual site.The only way to get WORLD Support is to unite .

by Frederick Douglass Fri Jun 15, 2007 09:05

Tyranny Law #1: "Any power that can be abused will be abused."
 
Tyranny Law #2: "Abuse always expands to fill the limits of resistance to it."
 
Tyranny Law #3: "If people don't resist the abuses of others, they will have no one to resist the abuses of themselves, and tyranny will prevail."

by W. Finnerty. Fri Jun 15, 2007 10:42

Let Tara be the place where the global corruption-monster created by the crooked politicians and lawyers of the world is finally brought down, laid to rest, and buried for the rest of time?

What better place? What better time? What better opportunity?

Why should a relatively small clique of despotic lawyers and politicians be allowed to keep on slyly supporting and promoting corruption, to the extent that most people have now been duped into believing society has more to gain from corruption than from justice?

"Government of the people, by the people, for the people" is surely the ONLY sane, safe and healthy way forward for humanity?

And, deep-down, even the most perverted and most corrupt among us must surely realise that this is what genuine democracy really involves: in practice? - the so called "unfinished work" which United States President Abraham Lincoln spoke of, and very obviously planned to press ahead with, some days before being shot dead by an assassin.

The time might now be right for those who have not yet been irreversibly corrupted (by the perverts) to finish off what President Lincoln was prevented from doing?

For those who may not be aware of it, President Lincoln, in addition to being one of the greatest and most respected politicians of all time, was also an experienced and highly accomplished lawyer.
 
An ideal role-model perhaps for all politicians and lawyers who genuinely seek to promote JUSTICE and PEACE in the world? - two much sought-after commodities which many believe are inseparable from each other.

As can be seen at the following address, and for the little I suspect it's worth, a small effort was made last Wednesday to try and point out some of all this to a selection of senior lawyers and politicians: http://www.europeancourtofhumanrightswilliamfinnerty.co...l.htm .

by Eudán Mach Audán Sat Jun 16, 2007 09:25

YES - to "government of the people, by the people, for the people"

and

NO - to "government of the corrupt, by the corrupt, for the corrupt".

"Shin é agus shin shin". ("That's it and that's that.")

EPILOGUE:

Brehon Law type principles are better for us Irish than those of Roman Law, and it seems to me that it's only the "auld ejits" who can't see this, and the greed-ridden corrupt who don't want to see it: and NEVER will.

by W. Finnerty. Sun Jun 17, 2007 20:50

Allowing for the close relationship between the Hill of Tara and Brehon Law, and the pressing need to explain to the world the significance of Tara, why is it that there are still "many more valuable Brehon documents still untranscribed in the library of Trinity College, in the British Museum, and in the Bodleian (Oxford University, England), and possibly some fragments in the Royal Irish Academy and other repositories."

The following piece of text has been taken from http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/02753a.htm :

"That we have ample means for becoming acquainted with some of the principal provisions of the Brehon code is entirely owing to the labours of two men, O'Curry and O'Donovan, who were the first Irish scholars since the death of the great hereditary Irish antiquarian, Duald Mac Firbis (murdered by an English settler in 1670), to penetrate and understand the difficult and highly technical language of the ancient law tracts. After much laborious work in the libraries of Trinity College Dublin, in the Royal Irish Academy, in the British Museum, and in the Bodleian Library at Oxford, O'Curry transcribed eight volumes full of the so-called Brehon Laws containing 2,906 pages, and O'Donovan nine more volumes containing 2,491 pages. Nor was their labour by any means exhaustive. There are many more valuable Brehon documents still untranscribed in the library of Trinity College, in the British Museum, and in the Bodleian, and possibly some fragments in the Royal Irish Academy and other repositories. From the labours of O'Donovan and O'Curry the Government published in the Master of the Rolls series five great tomes and a sixth containing a glossary. But these five large volumes do not by any means contain the whole of Irish law literature, which, in its widest sense, that is, including such pieces as the "Book of Rights", would probably fill at least ten such volumes. "

I wonder if there any plans to find out what is in these "untranscribed" ancient documents - before any more of the ancient heritage sites close to the Hill of Tara are destroyed?

From the same page address (http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/02753a.htm ):

"The Brehon law code was ultimately extinguished by the English in every part of Ireland. So soon as they conquered a territory they stamped it out, banished or slew the Brehons, and governed the land by English law."

Thanks a lot.

by Patrick Wood Sun Jun 17, 2007 22:03

To the global elite, the meaning of the phrase “Rule of Law” has been redefined according to a global philosophy that does not embrace the Sovereignty of nation-states nor the U.S. Constitution.

So, when Mr Bellinger speaks, he speaks with authority for the global elite. This includes his current bosses, Secretary of State Rice and President Bush.

by Roestown Mon Jun 18, 2007 17:59

Tara will be a topic for the programme tonight. There will be various people representing the various groups in the audience.

by Graham Mon Jun 18, 2007 19:46

We daily witness a lack of ethics in our expedient political systems. We sit and watch
the lack of responsibility and expedient . For instance I watch the media covering the
bluff of the corrupt Ms Cooper-Flynn and Mr Ahern (who is no angel) thinks she is
good for FF and the country. the media, without batting an eye-lid then reports it.
No doubht, when she stands to make a speech in the Dail, it will receive coverage.
The Green party who had prided themselves on their anti-corporate stance are
sitting there watching the deals that FF are making with The 'independents' and allowing for it?
Dan Boyle says that the first three months will 'be difficult', not a whisper on demanding the
deals that were made to keep FF in power been made public under FOI - Dan?

Did something get lost in the translation?

by democracy Mon Jun 18, 2007 20:10

Graham wrote "We daily witness a lack of ethics in our expedient political systems. ".
Graham this what the people voted for, they could have voted for left leaning politicians who at least have a facade of ethics, but they choose to vote for corruption instead(lowery topped the poll).
So what can be done about it? nothing! we get the leaders we deserve, so get on with life.
recent history has shown people are selfish and care only about themselves, so ethics and morality are taking a back seat.
don't beat yourself up about it, it is human nature and evolution that are to blame, not Bertie!

by Roestown Tue Jun 19, 2007 15:09

Firstly, for general infomation:
There are two camps in the Tara area now, the original camp at Tara and the second camp established at Rath Lugh.
If anyone is going up the following are always useful, credit for 086 and 087 phones. Batteries for cameras, memory cards for cameras, cigarettes, rolled tobacco, food of course.
If by any chance people have cameras or even mobile phones that they want to part with, digital cameras, then they would be welcome as well.
If visiting the protest sites hot coffee and soup are a good idea.
Vigil number again 086-1758557

There was a strong Campaign presence at the Mansion House at the Green Party Conference. Here are a few photos.
There was a strong presence at the Dáil the following day but there are photographs available at this time.

Campaign at Mansion House

General melee at the Mansion House

Sweets for the gardaí

Banners

Banners again

by Roestown Thu Jun 21, 2007 10:27

These are photographs of the stand off at Soldier Hill (the Blundelstown area) on Friday 15th June. The weather was appalling when the BBC arrived in the area.
They first visited Lismullin, then did an interview on top of the hill and finally they witnessed much of the action in these photos.
As this reporter left the car, a video camera from the construction company appeared immediately.
As will be seen, there are cameras everywhere filming everything that happens.

Video camera greeting

Cameras everywhere

Camera in a van

Construction traffic on the site

And even more cameras

by Roestown Thu Jun 21, 2007 10:37

Earlier that day, a protester was arrested, as reported in the press.
When the Gardaí arrived therefore, it was felt that other arrests might take place.
The protesters insisted on their right to peaceful protest and the Gardaí kept insisting that the workers had the right to work.
The latest political situation was explained to them - a new Minister etc.
The Gardaí however seemed more concerned about the cars parked on the road and the hazard that they might cause.
Never mind the long line of construction traffic that lined the road and the workers all over the public road taking film and photos!

Film Stars

Machinery

Workers watching

Video cameras again

Stopping the machinery

by Roestown Thu Jun 21, 2007 10:44

There was a lot of negotiating and talking. The gardaí objected strongly to the presence of so many video cameras. They'll get used to it. We all do.
The gardaí came back, asked if the machinery would be allowed off-site. That was agreed. The photos show the process and the job done with the gate closed.
End of another miserably wet day but work has been stopped.
All the construction traffic outside the site returned to the depot.
The sites were checked by protesters but all was quiet by about 4pm.

Gardaí object

Talking

Machinery coming off siter

Job done

by Roestown Thu Jun 21, 2007 10:47

This photograph shows the proximity and the visibility of Rath Lugh from the Lia Fáil on top of the Hill of Tara.

Rath Lugh from Tara

by Muireann Ni Bhrolchain - Campaign to Save Tara Thu Jun 21, 2007 12:38

(Lovely short summary - very useful)

Village Magazine June 2007
Lismullin – part of a greater national monument
Joe Fenwick

The defining archaeological feature associated with the major
prehistoric royal centres of Navan Fort, Co Armagh, Knockaulin, Co
Kildare, Rathcroghan, Co Roscommon and the pre-eminent royal site of
Tara, Co Meath, is the concentration of large-scale, high-status and
unusual monument types, many of which are a funerary, ritual or
ceremonial nature. It has long been recognised that each monument within
the Tara landscape is an integral part of Tara.
The recently-discovered ceremonial enclosure at Lismullin, one of the
many archaeological monuments along the motorway corridor, is the only
one to have been elevated to national monument status. It is a
remarkable monument, though at 80m in diameter, is nowhere near as
extensive as the multi-period, archaeological complex at Baronstown,
situated midway between the hills of Tara and Skryne. Neither has it
yielded the extraordinary range of high-status artefacts that has come
to light at the early-Medieval site at Roestown, north of Dunshaughlin,
or the exotic range of late-Prehistoric/early-Historic burial practices
unearthed at Collierstown. In this instance, however, its royal
credentials simply cannot be denied.
The most compelling archaeological parallels to the Lismullin monument
can be found at Navan Fort, Knochaulin and Rathcroghan. Here, too,
within the confines of a ritual enclosure or sanctuary, are found large,
timber-built circular structures approached by a funnel-shaped avenue
from the east. Dating to the late-Bronze Age/Iron Age, these “temples”
are inextricably linked to the pre-Christian ritual and ceremonial
activities that occurred at these major royal centres. Lismullin is no
different. Situated adjacent to the River Gabhra with an unobstructed
view to the Hill of Tara, its presence in the valley demonstrates
conclusively that those who built it perceived this place to be an
integral part of Tara’s ritual landscape.

by e hill Thu Jun 21, 2007 18:47 destiny

I am here in America, so obviously I can not be with you to halt the destruction at Tara. However, as I was reading the comments I thought, what if there was some one with a digital camera at one of the sites and they where able to get close-up shots of the individual workman and in turn post those pictures on the web with appropriate captions. It might embarrass the workers to cease and desist from their endeavor. It is just a thought, but why not try it.
Sincerely yours,
Edward Hill

by Tarawatch - Tarawatch Fri Jun 22, 2007 13:04

Tara road campaigners call for new legal advice

Irish Independent
By Paul Melia
Thursday June 21 2007

ENVIRONMENT Minister John Gormley must seek independent legal advice on
whether he can revoke an order allowing the destruction of a national
monument on the route of the controversial M3 motorway, campaigners
have claimed.

Yesterday it emerged that newly-appointed Attorney General, Paul
Gallagher SC, acted for Meath Co Council last year and opposed a bid to
stop construction.

His office has since advised that a decision by former Environment
Minister Dick Roche to destroy a national monument cannot be
overturned.

Mr Gallagher told the High Court in January last year there was "no
basis" to alter the route of the motorway near the Hill of Tara unless
a national monument was discovered. But last April a prehistoric ritual
site was discovered at Lismullin and designated as a national monument.

An order has since been made to preserve it "by record" which would
allow it to be destroyed to facilitate the motorway.

The Campaign to Save Tara said it was concerned that Mr Gallagher acted
on behalf of Meath Co Council. "At the very least, the revelation that
the AG has acted for Meath County Council so recently and in so
closely-related a case means that the minister should be canvassing
independent legal advice," said Dr Muireann Ni Bhrolchain.

The campaign also called for all documentation relating to
archaeological excavations along the proposed route of the M3 to be
reviewed, given that the national monument - the size of three football
pitches - was missed by archaeologists.

The National Roads Authority said excavations of the site should be
completed by late September, after which diggers would move in.

Ronan Swan, acting chief archaeologist with the NRA, said it received
the minister's order last Friday and excavation work should begin in
the next three weeks.

But 20pc of the henge will remain as it is on privately-owned land.

"We already have the site plan, which shows us what features are there
and how deep they are," Mr Swan said. "It's not all on the M3 -
four-fifths of the entire enclosure is in the road take, the rest is in
private hands. It's not going to be excavated as part of the road
scheme. This occurs frequently where you wouldn't excavate the entire
site, and would be in accordance with government guidelines.

"The government policy is you don't excavate more than you need to. The
rain and weather has interfered with the condition of the site."

Hundreds of people are expected to arrive at Tara to celebrate the
summer solstice this weekend.

- Paul Melia

[The CST sham continues. None of those people contributed or supported
the previous case in any way, or knows the first thing about law. Now,
there is a new case pending, and these people will try and ride the
back of that one too. Note all their righteous statements about the
World Monuments Fund, after they took on the task of doing the
application and then didn't bother doing it. As for peace negotiations,
we sent an email almost 2 weeks ago asking for a meeting and have not
received any response. The group is led by Green party and Labour Party
activists, (one of which was on Questions and Answers on Mon, saying it
was good the Greens are in Gov) so clearly Tara is not their primary
concern, but is being used for a launchpad for party policy and spin.
Their greatest achievement so far is protecting a 19th century drain,
after having let Roestown disappear without a trace. They're at it
again this weekend, waiting to jump in front of any camera we send up
there as part of our Solstice festival. They are a bigger danger to
Tara than the NRA, in my opinion]

by Help? Fri Jun 22, 2007 20:30

Hi there, can anyone of you good people help me?
I have been in a n entaglement for many years now with neighbours. I'm a woman i1st....( a bit like the Bull McCabe film), with the relations and neighbours.(threats and all that comes with it.
Now to stop me living on my land or selling it, One neighbour has has just put up a slatted house without planning permission,
Can anyone tell me is this legal,(i know farmers in the past didn't have to apply, but I'm wondering what he is doing now is legal or not.
Any info I'd much appreciate or someone totalk to
many thanks
A woman without a bad bone in her body!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by M. Ni Bhrolchain - Campaign to Save Tara Sat Jun 23, 2007 14:03

This is today's poll on the Irish Times site:
Do you think the Hill of Tara should be added to Unesco's list of World Heritage Sites?
81% in favour at the moment.
Vote please.

by Michael Canney - Campaign to Save Tara Sat Jun 23, 2007 14:24

We don't normally reply to Vincent, Sioban or Michael of Tarawatch because we believe our energies are best focused on the campaign itself.
Many of us have been subjected to vitrolic personal abuse both on-line and by phone calls and text messages.
We will not resume active co-operation with their group because we feel that to do so would be to cause rancor and dispute within our own organisation. A unaminous decision was taken by the Campaign that we should have nothing to do with this group - this motion was prompted by another late-night wave of abuse, not to the spokespeople, but to the solidarity camp and to ordinary members.
We pretty much know what they are up to, and likewise with them.
If and when Tarawatch launch a legal challange (and we've been hearing this for quite a while now) we wish them the best.
Within our organisation are the most active and committed activists, lobbyists, fundraisers and general supporters - we are very happy about that.
We are able to co-operate and communicate in a fraternal and comraderly way - we have spent a lot of time developing codes and agreements for how disputes can be resolved and types of behaviour which are acceptable (and those that are not) - we will on no account jepordise this.
To those confused about what seems like endless squables within the campaign do not worry, we are forging ahead and have a number of different strategies ongoing.
There is room for everyone willing to act respectfully and for the best interests of Tara.

by Tom Paine - Sat Jun 23, 2007 15:24

fair play Michael its a tough thing to come and say you won't reply to abuse and you will take the higher ground. i'm sure you are wondering now whether people will believe the others through your silence but I can assure you that most people now are well aware what they are like and wish you the best of successes. We should set up an anymous group for people who have been scared by a certain failed lawyer, failed brehon law expert and failed presidential candidate - nuff said.

by W. Finnerty. Sat Jun 23, 2007 18:25

"But these five large volumes do not by any means contain the whole of Irish law (Brehon Law) literature, which, in its widest sense, that is, including such pieces as the 'Book of Rights', would probably fill at least TEN such volumes."

As some will already know, the Magna Carta ("The Great Charter of Freedoms" produced in England in 1215 AD) is surrounded by vague and tantalising myths which strongly suggest that the "essentials" of this world-famous legal document came from a much, much earlier period of human history - which is usually referred to as "The Golden Age", and which may embrace the days of "The Golden Fleece" possibly - in the "time of Homer" (eighth century BC).

Around 1700 AD, Samuel Johnson (for instance) talked of the Magna Carta being "born with a grey beard".

I wonder if by any chance the source of these myths might be the Brehon Law "Book of Rights" associated with the Great Feast of Tara?

"There are many more valuable Brehon documents still untranscribed in the library of Trinity College, in the British Museum, and in the Bodleian Library (Oxford University, England) and possibly some fragments in the Royal Irish Academy and other repositories." (From http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/02753a.htm )

How long is this priceless Brehon Law "Book of Rights" going to remain "untranscribed" I wonder - having due regard for the fact that Brehon Law is widely believed to be the oldest and most compassionate set of laws in Europe: and very likely just as old, or possibly older, as anything connected with Homer?

A very large and comprehensive set of "Golden Laws" maybe? - which might out-shine the Magna Carta in a really big way perhaps?

by 'insider' Sat Jun 23, 2007 21:20

The Tarawatch Mid-Summer festivities are creating havoc and desecration on this Sacred Hill, with large quantities of drink cans and general litter being evenly distributed!

Those attending seemingly are here for a party and not the issue that surrounds the hill of Tara.

We feel the need to express our disgust and dismay at the total disregarded Vincent Salafia's people are showing here today.

The Garda were called this afternoon to remove some people who were abusing private land adjoining the car park oppositte Maguire's Coffee Shop.

We noted with interest the brand new car that was being driven by the bankrupt Salafia - an interesting donation perhaps?

by newspaper Mon Jun 25, 2007 11:39

This is the site that they are calling "sacred" - what a travesty - to desecrate the Hill in this way. What has a rock concert got to do with Tara? How deep into the ground did the pegs of the marquee go? Who are the people who allowed this to happen? Who organised this mayhem?
Hopefully the OPW will ban any such activities in the future.
Keep Tara sacred, peaceful and intact. Save Tara from the rabble

Irish Times, Monday, June 25, 2007
Tara shop closed for safety reasons
Elaine Keogh
For the first time in more than 160 years, the tea rooms and book shop
at the hill of Tara in Co Meath were shut yesterday after its
proprietor said he feared for the safety of his six staff.
Michael Maguire also said he would be reporting to the gardaí later
this week an assault on him by a member of the public. He was also led
to believe that others were considering robbing the shop.
His family has run Maguire's on the hill for six generations. "The last
time we shut was when Daniel O'Connell held a monster meeting here."
The hill attracted large crowds over the weekend as it is the weekend
closest to the summer solstice.
Gardaí have confirmed they were called to an incident on Saturday but
had received no written complaint.

Rath Lugh from the Lia Fáil

by Eye Witness - None Tue Jun 26, 2007 15:57

No wonder no complaint was filed. I was there and witnessed everything that went on. The owner of the Cafe started telling people who were in a camper van in the car park that they were not allowed to cook in his car park.
He started shouting at an english man who was camped there, this guys wife returned from the cafe where she had just purchased two dinners which she was carrying( in compliance with his wishes).
Then somethig extraordinary happened, Maguire (the owner) took one of the dinners out of her hands and through it against the side of the camper van. The woman then got the other dinner and threw it over Maguires head. It was all very amusing actually...
I dont knew why everyone is blaming TaraWatch they were no where near the place when that incident occured.
In fact their members were cleaning up, squashing cans and seperating cans ,papers and bottles whenever I saw them.
All in all there was a great atmosphere despite the terrible weather. thanks to all who participated.

by A Friend of Tara Tue Jun 26, 2007 16:16

Once again Canney and CST have shown their true colours. Shame on that lot for always attacking those trying so very hard to preserve our heritage!

by Roestown reporter Wed Jun 27, 2007 00:07

Large machinery is being dropped off in the valley at the moment - 12PM midnight Tuesday 26th - for a heavy push tomorrow morning.

Urgent call for support.
Spread the word.

by Muireann Ni Bhrolchain Sun Jun 08, 2008 15:39

Many of the photographs in this thread from last year show Howley machinery threatening the protectors - myself included for that matter. There is an eerie poetic justice in the following newspaper reports then. The rumours were rife for the past few months about Howley's demise.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
http://www.sbpost.ie/post/pages/p/story.aspx-qqqt=IRELA...1.asp
Sunday Business Post
Engineering firm depends on ‘funding injection’
08 June 2008 By Nicola Cooke
Howley Civil Engineering, a €40million firm that went into examinership
last week leaving 430 jobs in jeopardy, will require a funding injection
to survive, according to the interim examiner to the firm.
Brian McEnery, partner in accountancy firm Horwath Bastow Charleton,
said he was hopeful he could secure a turnaround in the finances of the
firm, which is involved in major projects, including the M3 motorway and
the redevelopment of Lansdowne Road stadium. ‘‘It is business as usual
for the company and, hopefully, it will continue that way,” said McEnery.
‘‘The reality is that we will be looking for an injection of new equity
into the business, and that is never easy with a company which works as
a subcontractor for plant and equipment.
They are good people in a difficult construction market, but they have
been more focused on large public sector and commercial contracts. They
were never dependent on the residential sector,” he said. McEnery will
be working on the recapitalisation of the firm over the next week,
before a petition is heard in full in the High Court before Ms Justice
Finlay Geoghegan on Friday.
Howley Civil Engineering had turnover of €37 million in the year to the
end of June 2006, and made an operating profit of €1.9 million. The
previous year, it had turnover of €40.9 million and profits of €2.4
million. At the end of June 2006, the company had retained profits of
€7.9 million, but had net debt of €7.2 million.
The High Court heard last week that the firm was insolvent. Equipment
firm Caterpillar and AIB Finance are its largest creditors, and are owed
€5.5 million and €3 million respectively. The company’s unsecured
creditors include Topaz Energy and machinery sales firm Embankment.
The court heard that Howley Civil Engineering had been affected by the
slowdown in the construction sector, and had incurred additional costs
on motorway and retail projects. However, its directors believed it had
good trading prospects if a refinancing package or investment could be
secured. McEnery said that the examinership process would ‘‘give them
some breathing space, and a chance to develop building blocks to
preserve their assets’’.
McEnery was also appointed interim examiner to a related equipment
leasing firm, Jenthorn. The directors of both companies are Michael
Howley and Verona McCabe.
Printer-friendly version
//////////////////////////////////////
Irish Independent, Thursday 5th June 2008
Engineering firm in plea to court
EXAMINERSHIP
The High Court has appointed an interim examiner to Cork-based Howley
Civil Engineering Ltd, which employs 430 people. Seeking the appointment
yesterday, counsel for the company, based in Carringtwohill, Co Kerry,
told the court the firm was engaged in large contracts and it was
important these be completed.
//////////////////////////////////////////
Irish Times, Thursday 5th June 2008
High Court appoints interim examiner to engineering firm
THE HIGH Court has appointed an interim examiner to Cork-based Howley
Civil Engineering Ltd, which employs 430 people.
Seeking the appointment yesterday, Declan Murphy, for the company, based
in Carrintwohill, Co Cork, told Ms Justice Mary Finlay Geoghegan that
the company was engaged in significant contracts and it was important
that these be completed to ensure their value.
The judge was told the company was insolvent and was unable to pay its
debts due to several factors, including the slowdown in the construction
sector and the incurring of additional costs on motorway and retail
projects, but that its directors believed it had very good trading
prospects.
The directors and an independent accountant believed that, if certain
conditions were met, including a refinancing package or investment, the
company had a reasonable prospect of survival.
Examinership was more in the interest of creditors than a winding up,
the company said.
Among the largest creditors of the company are Caterpillar Financial
Services Ireland, which is owed €5.5 million, and AIB Finance and
Leasing, which is owed €3 million.
Caterpillar had some weeks ago initiated proceedings to recover 17
machines, each with an estimated value of €200,000, leased to Howley.
The judge said she was satisfied this was an appropriate case for an
interim examinership.
She appointed Brian McEnery as interim examiner to Howley and to a
related company, Jenthorn Ltd, and adjourned the matter to later this month.
.>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

by MacAigen Mon Jun 23, 2008 01:50

I have a few people down here (only 4 or 5 for certain) who are interested in helping Tara, i don't no about them but i myself intend to be up and down over the summer.

Any advice on what we should bring and what we should be prepared to do?

by Sickened Mon Jun 23, 2008 08:30

Right now there is No Direct Action. There are not enough people or resources. Security are so confident that sites are left completely unattended. The only Security yesterday was at Rath Lugh and at the Tara Car Park to stop people from camping. The road continues unchallenged, undelayed any further, at least for the time being. The truth of the matter is that this situation has been ongoing for quite some time. If you can help, come soon. You will need tents and suitable clothing and any other practical thing for your comfort and survival that you can think of. Bring a camera or video equipment. Further details of how to get there etc are at the link below