A friend sent me an email SOS, something I always view skeptically, about the impending destruction of the sacred site Tara for the sake of a highway. Turns out this is a real, serious threat that archaeological entreaties (which you'd think would at least carry more weight than the cries of the pagan community) might not even be able to stop. Here's some of what the Guardian had to say on the matter:
Historical experts are aghast at the proposals. One group of 21 British archaeologists wrote to the Irish Times, reminding the Irish authorities that "driving a four-lane motorway through the valley will destroy the integrity of this ancient landscape for ever." The president of the Archaeological Institute of America sent an unusually direct appeal: "We are shocked that planning permission has been granted. We appeal to the Irish authorities as a matter of urgency to move this section of the M3 away from the Tara/Skreen valley and to save this precious legacy from our shared past for posterity." Tara's leading archaeological expert, Conor Newman, warned the government's planning appeals board: "How [Tara] is managed by us will become the yardstick against which our reputation as guardians of cultural heritage will be judged." It's a test the Irish authorities seem determined to fail.
It makes me ill. Have a look at Protect Tara and see if there's anything you can do to help them out.
Posted by Heather at December 16, 2004 10:01 AM
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