Post by Fool Coyote on Mar 27, 2008 17:21:57 GMT -5
Archaeological site may be doomed
THE SITE of a massive ancient pagan temple unearthed at one of Europe’s most archaeologically significant sites will be buried under a controversial motorway, campaigners warned last week.
Fears were growing that the government is to plough ahead with the contentious M3 route despite the discovery that has excited heritage campaigners.
The government insists it has not decided the future of the major find near the historic Hill of Tara in Co. Meath — uncovered just 24 hours after Transport Minister Martin Cullen turned the first sod on the project.
While work has been suspended to allow further examination, the government is fending off claims by campaigners that this is merely a stay of execution for the site.
Environment Minister Dick Roche is consulting National Museum director Pat Wallace on the best way to proceed. But Vincent Salafia — an environmentalist and longstanding Save Tara campaigner — claimed the government was committed to developing the motorway regardless of the impact.
He alleged Mr Roche had already taken the decision to demolish the ancient find — though the Minister denied the allegation.
Mr Salafia claimed documentation has already been drafted on the government’s plans for the site.
He said: “In these directions, Minister Roche directs that the national monument be preserved by record. In other words, excavations will resume in a matter of days and the massive enclosure will then be demolished.”
The Irish National Monuments Act allows for the partial or complete destruction of national monuments, or finds of significant importance, by the government if it is deemed to be in the public interest.
The National Museum director is consulted but has no veto over any decision.
Conor Newman, professor of archaeology at NUI Galway, said he was pessimistic the government would save the site.
He said: “The campaign to preserve this site has become a legal battle when in fact it should be an ethical one — whether we value our heritage or not.”
www.irishpost.co.uk/news/story/?trs=ojgbeyoj
THE SITE of a massive ancient pagan temple unearthed at one of Europe’s most archaeologically significant sites will be buried under a controversial motorway, campaigners warned last week.
Fears were growing that the government is to plough ahead with the contentious M3 route despite the discovery that has excited heritage campaigners.
The government insists it has not decided the future of the major find near the historic Hill of Tara in Co. Meath — uncovered just 24 hours after Transport Minister Martin Cullen turned the first sod on the project.
While work has been suspended to allow further examination, the government is fending off claims by campaigners that this is merely a stay of execution for the site.
Environment Minister Dick Roche is consulting National Museum director Pat Wallace on the best way to proceed. But Vincent Salafia — an environmentalist and longstanding Save Tara campaigner — claimed the government was committed to developing the motorway regardless of the impact.
He alleged Mr Roche had already taken the decision to demolish the ancient find — though the Minister denied the allegation.
Mr Salafia claimed documentation has already been drafted on the government’s plans for the site.
He said: “In these directions, Minister Roche directs that the national monument be preserved by record. In other words, excavations will resume in a matter of days and the massive enclosure will then be demolished.”
The Irish National Monuments Act allows for the partial or complete destruction of national monuments, or finds of significant importance, by the government if it is deemed to be in the public interest.
The National Museum director is consulted but has no veto over any decision.
Conor Newman, professor of archaeology at NUI Galway, said he was pessimistic the government would save the site.
He said: “The campaign to preserve this site has become a legal battle when in fact it should be an ethical one — whether we value our heritage or not.”
www.irishpost.co.uk/news/story/?trs=ojgbeyoj