Another major Archaeological discovery on Hill of Tara

by viatarawatch Wed Oct 17, 2007 13:32

EU legal action
A significant new archaeological site has been found in the path of the
M3 motorway, at the Hill of Tara in Co. Meath. Believed to be a
fortified complex, the enclosure is currently being excavated by
archaeologists.

TaraWatch was alerted to the presence of the previously unknown site
last night, by an anonymous tip, and activists inspected it after the
archaeologists had finished work for the day.
TaraWatch is calling on Minister for Environment, Heritage and Local
Government, John Gormley, to place a preservation order on the site, as
he did with the National Monument of Rath Lugh that is being damaged by
construction work on the M3. According to section 14 of the National
Monuments Act, all work must cease immediately when a national monument
is discovered during the course of roadworks.

TaraWatch is also of the opinion that an independent assessment should
be carried out before the fate of the site is decided, in order to
determine if it is a national monument.

Located between the defensive fort of Rathmiles and the burial ground
at Soldier Hill, the newly discovered site is further proof that the
Hill of Tara constitutes a vast archaeological complex.

Activists plan to occupy the site today, after the anonymous source
indicated the demolition of the site is imminent.

"Is the Government reluctant to recognise the importance of new sites
for fear of facing further scrutiny from the European Commission?”

Vincent Salafia said:

“It is highly disturbing that the presence of yet another significant
archaeological site has been concealed from the public.

"It would appear that Minister Gormley is still failing to be open and
transparent on this issue, as he claimed he would be on taking
office.”

ENDS

Contact:

Vincent Salafia: 087 132 3365
Lou (on-site): 086 360 0478

www.tarawatch.org

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EU to take action over handling of Tara route for M3

Jamie Smyth in Brussels

The European Commission is expected to begin legal action against the Government today over the manner in which it has proceeded to build the M3 motorway near the Hill of Tara.The legal move is not expected to halt the construction of the road, but it will force the Government to defend its position at Europe's highest court, a process that could eventually lead to the imposition of fines if it loses the case.

Environment commissioner Stavros Dimas will tell his commissioner colleagues at a meeting in Brussels today that the National Monuments Act in the Republic does not offer enough protection for important archaeological sites.He will also highlight alleged weaknesses in Irish law that split decision-making between Irish planning authorities and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for industrial projects.

He cites the Government's action at the Hill of Tara as a prime example of how it fails to conform to EU law. In a draft decision, which requires the approval of commissioners before taking effect, Mr Dimas refers Ireland to the European Court of Justice (ECJ) over these shortcomings."The commission considers Ireland's approach to decisions involving the destruction or removal of historic structures and archaeological monuments to be in contravention of the directive," says an explanatory note on the decision seen by The Irish Times....

http://www.ireland.com/newspaper/frontpage/2007/1017/11....html

by W. Finnerty. Wed Oct 17, 2007 15:20

Are the EU really serious, or are they just indulging themselves maybe (?) in a grossly corrupt window-dressing display of "friendly-fire" which is designed to hoodwink voters?

That way the European Union could appear to be doing something, and at the same time be doing absolutely NOTHING to halt the destructive PPP activities in the Hill of Tara area?

If the European Commission was REALLY serious about protecting our hugely important heritage sites, and allowing for the mountain of evidence of GROSS wrongdoing by our "public servants" (so called) which they have already been given, why did they not arrange, through the European Court, to impose an injunction weeks (or even months) ago for the purpose of stopping ALL work on the M3: until the very obvious legal problems are put right?

It's not just EU law that's been broken, Bunreacht na hEireann (the Constitution of the Republic of Ireland) is also being violated - according to Constitutional law expert Dr Gerard Hogan (Fellow of Trinity College Dublin). Please see at http://www.indymedia.ie/article/83821#comment204626 for further information on this particular point.

Evidence of the EXTREMELY serious (and widespread) PPP corruption at present ravaging the globe, and which is apparently UNSTOPPABLE, can be found via the following link: http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=PPP+Swindles+Corru...earch

by Charles Haughey Thu Oct 18, 2007 00:06

To get this site survey so wrong one has got to ask what was going on. To thread a major road though the Celtic equivalent of Pompeii, and not make an impact, what were they thinking?

A timely reminder of this document and chain of events is needed.

http://debates.oireachtas.ie/DDebate.aspx?F=ENJ20040601...age=2

"we believe to be inaccurate and misleading information given by the NRA in the course of their presentation to the Committee in relation to (details given):
(i) the number of archaeological sites to be directly impacted
(ii) the ranking of the preferred route as given in the route selection evidence summarised in the Environmental Impact Statement " ff
http://www.nuigalway.ie/archaeology/Tara_MAHS-Oireachta....html

who are these people?
Dr. Annaba Kilfeather, Margaret Gowen & Co. Ltd, for Halcrow Barry, August 2000]
http://www.discoveryprogramme.ie/controller?action=stor...id=48
http://www.mglarc.com/
Daire O'Rourke, Senior Archaeologist, NRA

by Siobhan - TaraWatch Thu Oct 18, 2007 10:28

At the start, they stated that the disputed part of the M£ would only impact on five sites. To date they have uncovered 43 sites, most of which have already been destroyed. We at TaraWatch have consistently stated that we would call off our campaign if the NRA would allow Independent Archaeologists to inspect these sites. The have refused. They also refuse to answer questions such as "How Many Human Remains have been found?" and "Where are these remains now?". WHY ? WHAT ELSE ARE THEY HIDING?

One has to look at Noel Dempsey's brother Loman and his relationship with Raymond Potterton, ESTATE AGENT, who was appointed by Dempsey to the board of Management of the NRA. Yes, read it again, its true. They are currantly being investigated by the Fraud Squad in relation to fraudulent business practices through a co. called ERACASE and another Co. whose name escapes me right now.

It is Heartbreaking to see what they have done. May the Irish Nation never forget this rape of their Culture and Heritage... All to make a few greedy Bastards more money. Shame on them and their families forever.

by viagrapevine Thu Oct 18, 2007 16:55

NRA says it was old site, that wasn't finished because there were badgers there, they've moved so so work continues, where will the badgers go? work now continue lest any interrupters from others:)

by Tara Tara Tara Fri Oct 19, 2007 09:06

URGENT

Calling out for support NOW and for the rest of the day at main gate Soldiers Hill N3.

2 Protestors are locked on to a tripod and are not moving until an independent archaeological survey is carried out on the newly revealed site.

Please bring banners, leaflets, warm and waterproof clothing, phone credit, cameras, video equipment, food and water.

SPREAD THE WORD, CONTACT ALL MEDIA.

Thank you

by Tara Tara Tara Fri Oct 19, 2007 10:52

Protesters currently stopping work at Soldier's Hill have found bones at a site reported to be a Farming Field System. These bones have been found in the spoil heap. This needs to be investigated.

Thank you.

by Tara Tara Tara Fri Oct 19, 2007 11:32

There has been one arrest. He will appear later today at Navan District Court. Further updates will be posted as recieved.

Thank you.

by Crow attock Tue Oct 23, 2007 19:28

...total fucking madness in fact. Hope they can be stopped!

Blessings.

by Site destroyed Tue Oct 23, 2007 22:49

before the National Museum got a chance to see it. A major f*** on the part of the NRA, the archaeological company etc.

by Susan Isabella Sheehan-Repasky - Flicker Light Studio Wed Oct 24, 2007 20:02

I am not surprised at the events taking place. It is in their best interest to complete the devastation as quickly and quietly as possible. Lurking about and working under the shadow of night has ever been the habit of the skulkers.

by missedit Mon Oct 29, 2007 07:48

here's a report from the tarapixie's at Soldiers hill from the 16th to 19th of October http://www.tarapixie.net/blog.html