 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 long-standing 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.” |
