Tara Calling

by TaraTaraTara Wed Feb 06, 2008 10:43

This is very urgent indeed. How long will the injunction take? The Sousterrains at Lismullin have all been filled in and the ground levelled for the most part. Baronstown is a major construction site. Both are far from the peaceful, mysterious places they once were, full of history and myth. Shame on this Government!!!!!

Baronstown Before....

and Now

by TaraWatch Wed Feb 06, 2008 12:30 info at tarawatch dot org

High Court challenge to Gormley on M3 site

Irish Daily Mail

6 February 2008

by paul Caffrey

ENVIRONMENT Minister John Gormley faces a potentially embarrassing High Court challenge over a decision made by his predecessor to allow the M3 motorway to be built over an historic site near the Hill of Tara.

The Green TD claimed when he came to office last June that he was powerless to over-turn a last-minute order made by outgoing Environment Minister Dick Roche for 2,000 year old ruins discovered last year near the Hill of Tara to be destroyed to make way for the M3.

The civil suit is being taken by one Gordon Lucas a resident of Limerick, who is seeking to enforce EU Environmental Assessment directives and the European Convention on Human Rights.

Mr Lucas, who filed his Statement of Claim with with court officials yesterday, is seeking an injunction and a declaration that the National Monuments Act 2004 is in breach of EU law.

He is taking his case against the Environment Minister, the National Roads Authority, the State and the Attorney General.

Last night, opposition politicians and environmental campaigners said the High Court action signals fresh embarrassment for Mr Gormley, and only highlights his failure to stand by his priniciples sinec entering Government with Fianna Fail.

In a turbulent first day in office last June, Mr Gormley declared he had no authority to revoke his predecessor's order, despite his commitment to protecting heritage.

But Labour's Eamon Gilmore claimed the Minister could reverse the decision, citing section 22 of the Interpretation Act 2005.

Fine Gael's Fergus O'Dowd made the damning charge against the Green Party chairman back then that the reason he had not done it was because he was politically emasculated by his new Fianna Fail masters.

Former Environment Minister Dick Roche signed an order last year which allowed the archaeological site to be studied and then destroyed to make way for the motorway.

Last night, Fine Gael TD Fergus O'Dowd launched a stonging attack on Mr Gormley, saying that his 'credibility is zero at this stage'. and that he 'stands for nothing'.

Campaign group TaraWatch, which is demanding that the site be preserved says the case is being taken as a last resort, after the Government opted not to perform a new environmental impact assessment on the proposed demolition of the Lismullin national monument.

==

Activists make court bid to stop M3
http://www.breakingnews.ie/archives/2008/0205/ireland/m...gboj/

New High Court action over Tara ruins
http://www.ireland.com/newspaper/breaking/2008/0205/bre...1.htm

by Pixieblood Wed Feb 06, 2008 12:42

Is it legal for them to be working on the Henge with High Court Proceedings underway?

Bless you Gordon Lucas!!!!!!

by FightBack Wed Feb 06, 2008 13:02

No One Can Take Away Your Human Rights

http://www.youthforhumanrights.org/watchads/view/psa30_....html

by Nora Wed Feb 06, 2008 14:41 noorazao at hotmail dot com Malaysia 00-60125394924

Leave Tara alone! It's one of the most spiritual place besides with great natural beauty; and beautiful rural landscape; as many others in Ireland. Why can't these people understand that Irish beautiful and precious landscape is much intertwined with its ancient culture and spirituality; and still is significant to be preserved in modern times? The lost of such landscape will diminish the sense of spirituality and the pride in their unique culture that I found still preserved fortunately in many Irish especially in the rural areas. I found the same kind of deep spirituality intertwined with the natural beauty in Scotland and Wales due to the mystical Celtic heritage. Traditionalism can be balanced harmoniously with modernity; there's no conflict if one lets it be. I would suggest the Tara campaign group brings Irish and migrant children especially from the working class areas (most of them are detached from such heritage and landscape since there's no public transport to these remote areas) to places like Tara so that they will appreciate such precious heritage of the Celtic civilization. But this does not mean to diminish or feel ultra-superior over other diverse culture; but for the younger generation to feel that continuous connection to the historical Irish heritage; nothing political in that.

by Lismullin - Sacred Ireland Wed Feb 06, 2008 15:26

Help is needed immediately on site with cameras batteries and general support. Please purchase phone credit for the vigil phone 086 1758557 If you can't come to the hill contact us at tarapark@sacredireland.org maybe there is something you can do from your computer or landline.
Today, Feb 6th. Ash wednesday..... a digger is on the archeological site less than 30 feet from Lismullen Henge but has been prevented from working. 12 activists have stopped construction workers from unloading 3 dumper loads of hard core on the Lismullin archeological site. Gardai have been on site and taken names and threatened arrest. This work has been deemed illegal by the European Commission. It is also against public opinion, see full results of recent survey on www.sacredireland.
A ceremony took place on the henge at Lismullin, Imbolg Feb 3rd. 2008. There will be another ceremony this Sunday Feb 10th at 3pm
All welcome.

A Ceremony at Lismullin, Imbolg Feb 3rd. 2008

by TaraWatch Wed Feb 06, 2008 15:49

Time to get real. Time for hocus-pocus over.

Demolition works continued today at the Lismullin national monument, which lies in the middle of the M3 motorway route, near the Hill of Tara, despite the filing of High Court action yesterday by Gordon Lucas.

A large protest is planned for 8.00 AM tomorrow morning, beside the Lismullin site. Demonstrators are travelling from different parts of Ireland to object to the demolition works proceeding, while the matter is before the courts.

Smaller demonstrations have been taking place on a weekly basis, and today two more demonstrators appeared before Judge Brophy in Navan District Court, charged with trespass, after being arrested last week.

Rhiannon Curtis from the UK had her case dismissed, because it was a first offence. Marcin Sawicki, from Poland, who previously worked as an archaeologist on the M3, had his case adjourned until next week, when an interpreter was ordered to be present.

by Pixieblood Wed Feb 06, 2008 18:02

Can someone answer the question please? Is it legal that they are proceeding with works despite the High Court Challenge?

by mars Wed Feb 06, 2008 18:25 deargsidhe at gmail dot com

I have room in the car for 3 others if anyone needs transport to the demo in the morning. Leaving Navan town at 730am, email me at deargsidhe@gmail.com

by eagle Wed Feb 06, 2008 18:39

The lawsuit alleges the works are illegal, just like the lawsuit the EU took. There has been no hearing yet, so until a judge tells them otherwise, they can 'legally' proceed...

by Support Wed Feb 06, 2008 18:53

Thanks Eagle. Then we will add to the numbers and see who else can be there too. We have our own transport. It is vital that we hold them off and cause maximum delay , we dont care about arrests , we just care that it is stopped long enough to make a difference.

Tara Abu!

by eagle Wed Feb 06, 2008 20:12

thanks a mil for the support. work actually begins at 7 am so get there early if ya can. media call is for 8 cos they just wont go earlier...

by mars Wed Feb 06, 2008 20:19 deargsidhe at gmail dot com

Ok no worries, so we better make that.... leaving Navan at 630am
cyis in the morning

by Teresa Wed Feb 06, 2008 22:53

Now is the time for people to come from all over the country to show your outrage and disapproval at what is happening up here at Tara. The more people that stand together to object to this travesty, the better the chance of highlighting how wrong it is. This means literally travelling to the henge at Lismullin and literally standing in peaceful demonstration. There is now a need for a daily demonstration to draw attention to the situation. Please come out now and let your feelings be known. You won't regret it. You will only regret it if you stand by and say or do nothing. I know it is stating the obvious but once this place of worldwide importance is destroyed, it will be gone for ever. It's not too late yet but it soon will be.

by Thomas Paine Thu Feb 07, 2008 09:36

I am genuinely perplexed and interesed by the campaign. I am honestly not outraged but can see many people are. Can some explain why I should be outraged? This is not a invitation to explain the spiritual symbolism - i'm not religious or spiritual and most of the modern interpretations of paganism have little connection with Tara.

Historically - Tara is the history of the ruling class. Everyday working class histories are destroyed and there's not a peep out of people. This is not argument to destroy but rather a question as why it should be singled out for specfial treatment.

Real effect on peoples live - lets be honest if they built through tghe hill itself it wouldn't actually affect my life or anyone else's for that matter.

And finally can you please explain what is this argument about it is heart of celtic Ireland
What is celtic Ireland. it doesn't and never did exist, the Celts never came here, Since 1169 there has been a series of invasion plantations settlements and emmigrations hat now make us a great mixture of several cultures. I genuinely don't understand what celtic means in this context.

by Michael Martin Thu Feb 07, 2008 12:18

Hi Thomas,
I suppose the same questions could be asked about the Valley of Kings and all the pyramids in Egypt. Tara used to be the spiritual, cultural and administrative nerve centre of pre-Christian Ireland and has been continiously occupied for ten thousand years. Therefore the landscape is rich on archaeological remains linked to Ireland's heritage and culture, and consequently the Tara landscape should not be touched by "development". The ruling class of ancient Tara may very well have been as corrupt and crooked as our modern day rulers. But the value of archaeological remains should not be judged by the actions of those who left them behind. Tara, good or bad, is a strong link in our cultural past, and should therefore be preserved and protected.

by V Thu Feb 07, 2008 17:00

Thomas Paine (at Thu Feb 07, 2008 09:36 above) may wish to explain the Castlestrange Stone: photograph at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TheCelticParty/ ?

by Thomas Paine Thu Feb 07, 2008 18:35

I can't see the stone clearly enough but I'll take your for it. Indeed there are countless artefacts of Celtic material culture found all across the Island. My assertion however not questioning whether there are represenations of Celtic material culture to be found in Ireland - of course there only an idiot would argue otherwise.

What I said is that the Celts never came here. What I meant was that there was never a large scale invasion or migration Celtic peoples into this Island. In the case of a migration or invasion there is simply no logical theory based on any kind of evidence as to how this could have happened. There is historical or archaeological evidence of mass movements in Europe of this kind during the time period in question. In the case of invasion there is no evidence of the turmoil that such a violent episode took place.

How is it then there are several representations of Celtic culture?
Well like any culture and ritual at different times different ideas appear popular perhaps due to economic, social or technilogical attricutes attached to them. It is most likely that Celtic cultural attributes seemed to be advanced and were adopted.A similar example of this is the way American slang and culture is taking hold in Ireland over the past 15 years. This is not because we have been invaded by America but through various processes many Irish people see it as progresive and worth imitating. Obviously this process has happened very quickly through the mass media whereas with celtic culture it took centuries.

by Laura Grealish - TaraWatch Thu Feb 07, 2008 22:05

Just back from a very interesting day at Tara. Photos are to follow that show the devastation afoot up there, especially at Soldier Hill where construction workers are rushing to build the 50 acre Blundelstown Interchange. Lismullin and Rath Lugh are also very vulnerable right now.

A day of mass protest at Tara is now planned for Monday, 11 Feb, at 12 noon. We are aiming to get various groups and individuals to take part, as the situation is critical. If we all pull together for this, then we can have a strong impact, on the ground and in the media.

So make a date in your diaries, spread the word, and hopefully we'll see some of you on Monday.

For anyone who wants to stay around up there for a while, the camp in Rath Lugh is in really good shape, with warm, dry accommodation available for activists. The guys up there are doing a great job, and it's now time for everyone who cares about Tara to act.

by V Fri Feb 08, 2008 10:50

Suggestion: Have a look at http://www.indymedia.ie/article/84679

by Thomas Paine Fri Feb 08, 2008 13:07

I don't understand what you your point is by refering me to the stone. The fact that there is Celtic material culture in the country does not mean Celtic peoples came here in any significant numbers does it?

by C Fri Feb 08, 2008 16:28

I can see how you got your surname. Stop wasting our time and look it up yourself!
C

by Thomas Paine Fri Feb 08, 2008 20:11

It was a retorical question C.

by Laura - TaraWatch Sun Feb 10, 2008 17:18

Just a reminder that a day of action is planned for tomorrow at Tara. We'll gather at Tara na Ri pub, at 12pm. For more info, call 087 9728603 or 086 3600478

by Rag Tag & Bobtail Sun Feb 10, 2008 18:35

Oh excellent venue Laura! The owner of this pub is a reputed property developer and recent owner of land next to the proposed road.

Sure why not toss him your pay cheque as well ?

by Somebody who can read Sun Feb 10, 2008 18:56

Message above clearly says AT the pub and not IN the pub.

by TaraTaraTara Mon Feb 11, 2008 12:28

The situation is escalating at Lismullin. Diggers are trying to cross the protected area of the National Monument. There is no Garda presence. More machinery is arriving and protesters are attempting a blockade. Please support in any way you can, contact all media, bring supplies, video and photographic equipment. Join the peaceful protest and spread the word. Urgent Call Out Now!

by TaraTaraTara Mon Feb 11, 2008 18:07

It has been confirmed that a digger did indeed succeed today in driving right across the front of the Esker of Rath Lugh. This area is clearly marked and fenced as the Exclusion Zone/Preservation Area. Protesters also report other machinery including huge earth movers coming right up as far as the fences.

There is ample room for diggers to manouvre without going near the exclusion area. WHY WASNT THIS DRIVER ARRESTED ?

by Kathryn NicDhàna - www.paganachd.com Fri Feb 22, 2008 06:36

forwarded from Carmel today, Thu Feb 21, 2008:

Digger and chainsaw gang near Souterrain at Lismullin. Urgent callout
for people, experts, media.

by Kathryn NicDhàna - paganachd.com Fri Feb 22, 2008 06:50

Sorry, didn't see most recent update had been posted, with more news in comments, here: http://www.indymedia.ie/article/86349