03.09.2006: Save Tara:Ron, IU

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I make no bones about reproducing this here, although it is not specifically music-related. It is far too important an issue in terms of both Government corruption and Cultural vandalism to be ignored - Ron, IrishUnsigned

Save Tara

Something that has been greatly publicised is the proposal to build a motorway near stonehenge. This is being heavily contested. What you may not know, due to the lack of world media interest, is that they are planning to build another motorway near the Hill of Tara.

"Tara is, because of its associations, probably the most consecrated spot in Ireland, and its destruction will leave many bitter memories behind it."

Stone engraving from within the Mound of The Hostages made by the Neolithic inhabitants who once worshipped here. The Mound of The Hostages on Tara is older than the pyramids, older than Stonehenge, older than The Great Wall of China.

"Tara constitutes the heart and soul of Ireland. The plan.. for the M3 motorway.. spells out a massive national and international
tragedy that must be averted."

The Lia Fail, Stone of Destiny, brought to Ireland as a gift
by the ancient Tuatha de Danann. The stone was said
to recognise a true king, and roar in his presence.

Tara, an essential part of Irish and European heritage, is in very great danger. The Irish Government is planning a four-lane motorway only 1 km from the actual hill, with a 25 acre floodlit (10 hectares) intersection only 1.5km away. All archaeological and historical evidence shows that Tara throughout time has been inseparable from the land around it. Tara is constituted by its surrounding landscape, not just the hill. Leading archaeologists say that the entire Tara landscape should by rights be declared a World Heritage Site.

"The Mound of The Hostages at Tara is constructed so that it is lit
by the full moon of August - the date of the ancient Lughnasa
celebration - and the rising sun of the festival periods of
Samhain in November and Imbolg in February."


It is very much a now or never situation in relation to protecting not just Tara, but the many other ancient sites that are in danger due to land development. The Heritage Council wrote in a 2001 report "The destruction of archaeological monuments in Ireland has not stopped but has accelerated dramatically in recent years. ..If the rate of destruction is allowed to increase, next to nothing will remain of archaeological heritage in a little over a hundred years."

Tara is "a timeless sacred place which cannot be claimed by any one religion, but is instead a sanctuary for all. .. For so long as Ireland lasts, Tara will always carry a spiritual message."

After reading this, if you feel that you would like to help, there is a save Tara website where you can sign the petition to prevent this from happening, time is against us.

http://www.petitiononline.com/Temair/petition.html

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