The Save the TaraSkryne Valley Group call on all concerned citizens to join them in a peaceful protest at the so-called “archaeological” dig at the foot of Tara’s Hill. This will be held on Monday 25th July at 7pm at Philpotstown/Blundelstown.
The site is well marked by the archaeological company on the N3 just north of the entrance to Tara as you travel in the Navan direction. We will collect at the gate where the site is visible.
Recent photographs in the newspapers show that the top of the Hill is clearly visible from this area. The coffee shop and church can be seen clearly in the distance. Photographs show topsoil being lifted by diggers and driven over by caterpillar wheels. More recently, pick axes are being used in 3 foot trenches.
Donald Murphy, managing director of Archaeological Consultancy Services Ltd. said at a public seminar in Dalgan Park on the 11th June: “There won’t be big 22 tonne mechanical excavators just rooting the topsoil off the top.” He also stated: “The excavations as they take place … will be open to the public for viewing.” This is not the experience of the public heretofore. This is the company who were responsible for the excavations at Woodstown. He also admitted: “We are not experts on Tara.”
Minister Roche stated: “I am satisfied that the directions I have issued will ensure best practice in the carrying out of the archaeological work … They will protect heritage.” But Pat Wallace of the National Museum stated in his letter to the Minister regarding excavators: “The chances of retrieving archaeological objects in the face of heavy machinery of this sort are … very limited indeed.”
Muireann Ní Bhrolcháin, PRO for the Save TaraSkryne Valley group said:
“Public money is being wasted on this unnecessary excavation. This is not research archaeology. Lowest standards are being applied to our most important archaeological, literary, historical and sacred landscape. This is wanton destruction and vandalism. The insistence on this particular route and the methods used is just sinister.”