M3 "Won't derail" Tara heritage
bid
By - Paul Melia.
The Hill of Tara can become a UNESCO World Heritage site
- even with a motorway running alongside it.
International experts have told Environment Minister John
Gormley that the controversial M3 motorway under
construction should not stop Ireland's richest
archaeological site from joining the Acropolis, Vatican
City and Taj Mahal as having "outstanding universal
value".
Mr. Gormley is to recommend that the Tara Skryne Valley
in Co. Meath be awarded World Heritage status, and will
shortly undertake a conservation plan which will stop any
future commercial development in the valley.
It is likely that one-off housing applications will be
considered, but shopping centres, large-scale housing
estates and other commercial developments will not be
allowed.
Addressing the International Council on Monuments and
Sites last night, Mr. Gormley said that Dr. Jukka
Jokilehto did not see the motorway as excluding the Co.
Meath site from attaining world heritage status.
"I find his remarks very encouraging and it is my view
that this site would be a contender for possible World
Heritage site".
© The Irish Independent, 11th. April 2008.
Related Articles:
M3 not to stop Tara getting world status, says
Gormley.
UNESCO Heritage Website.
