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Tara’s Future in Jeopardy
The construction of a motorway in County Meath has historians, archaeologists,
politicians and others up in arms. The proposed M3 toll road will run through
the Tara Skryne Valley, which the protestors argue is a part of the Hill
of Tara National Monument. The Hill of Tara was a central ceremonial, burial
and royal area in pagan times, and it dates back to 4000 B.C. The highest
king in Ireland reigned from Tara, and today it is still considered a sacred
place to the Irish.
The Save Tara campaign has gathered large international attention to
the issue. Nonetheless, the construction is moving ahead, and test trenching,
the initial phase of building, began March 22 with full excavation slated
for September.
A group of experts on the history, archaeology and cultural importance
of Tara – including an economist – presented their case to thwart construction
to The Dáil (Irish Parliament) on April 28. They argued that although the
proponents of the motorway claim that only three sites of historical significance
will be affected, in fact, almost 30 will be disturbed. They also believe
that the project will be delayed and run over budget due to the time and
care in digging up the historic site. In addition, the roadwork would have
a negative affect on tourism to Tara.
However, the Save Tara campaigners do agree that the traffic in the area
is a problem and that something must be done to relieve the congestion.
They recommend expanding the existing road, building a motorway somewhere
other than Tara or reopening the railroad line in the area.
Vincent Salafia, a lawyer and the public relations officer of the Save
Tara campaign, said to Irish America, “At the end of the day our message
is: Look, you [the proponents of the motorway] made a mistake. But you have
to go back and fix this one. Otherwise, this will be one of the biggest
mistakes this country has ever made.”
For more information and to sign the petition to stop the construction,
visit the Save Tara website: http://www.tara-skryne.org. –Louise Carroll
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