Statement. Campaign to Save Tara,
4th. July 2007, 20:33.
4th. July 2007, 20:33.
Baronstown Monument destroyed
- under cover of darkness
- under cover of darkness
The huge archaeological monument of
Baronstown, a possible candidate for a National Monument,
was destroyed in the early hours of Wednesday 4th. July
when machinery moved onto the site at 4am. When
protesters arrived at 6am the entire site had been
completely razed to the ground. This was an extraordinary
site described recently by archaeologist Joe Fenwick as a
"multi-period, archaeological complex" that was much more
extensive than the declared National Monument of
Lismullin.According to documents, seen by the Campaign to Save Tara, Baronstown had been recommended for National Monument status a number of months ago by archaeologists on-site, but that this was rejected by the NRA chief archaeologist [Dáire O'Rourke] and former Minister for Environment Dick Roche. Dr. Muireann Ní Bhrolcháin said: "That they are destroying our heritage under cover of darkness says it all. We demand that the Government calls a moratorium on all construction work in the Gabhra Valley at least until the new committee convened by Minister John Gormley has submitted its deliberations and until the EU Petitions Committee who visited Tara also submit their report".
Michael Canney said: "We have been urging Minister Gormley to review the documentation regarding the whole archeological project in the Tara Valley. If he had taken our advise perhaps another piece of our irreplaceable national heritage would not have been bulldozed. No previous administration or directives can be blamed for this latest disgrace".
In another development, local residents in the Trevet area are convening a public meeting to raise the issue of construction noise at night as well as the effect that the work is having on the quality of local drinking water despite the assurances they received that this would not happen.
Meanwhile at other sites in the Valley, where construction has been severely hampered by daily protests the atmosphere is becoming more tense.
Debbie O'Reilly a local protester said: "The chairman of SIAC, Dublin solicitor Ciaran Feighery was on hand at the construction site today and witnessed first hand an assault of protesters by construction workers. Being a man of the law we expect that when he is called upon in court to testify to this assault he will do so honestly".
ENDS
Media queries:
Dr. M. Ní Bhrolcháin
Tel: 087-9249510
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