Since Sunday, May 20, protesters are blocking the use of heavy construction machinery at ancient archaeological sites in the Tara-Skryne valley in Co. Meath, Ireland. Construction workers are trying to begin work on the M3 four-lane motorway, although no public decision has yet been given by the Minister for Heritage Dick Roche to commence work. Reports state that the peaceful protesters who sat down in front of the machinery, were in some cases badly manhandled by the construction workers. If the protesters do not succeed in preventing the construction work from beginning, the archaeological sites will be quickly destroyed and the destruction presented to the public as a fait accompli.
The protesters at the moment are small in number and are made up of the Vigil Keepers, who have been keeping watch on Tara for some time, local people, and general members of the public.
To put it bluntly, if the protesters do not receive enough on site support, the construction company will be able to move the heavy machinery in, and in no time at all, Tara, ancient as it is, will be lost!
The protesters are calling for support.
Dr. Muireann Ni Bhrolchain of the Save Tara Campaign in Ireland wrote –
“It is quite amazing how one person, two people at a gate can stop them. This is the power of one, two, three … but we need you all now. If you care about Tara – now is the time to act.”
Protect Tara Campaign
protect-tara@gmx.net
http://www.protect-tara.org
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Collierstown under attack 23rd May
The machinery was persuaded away today, a young protester negotiated a deal with the boss – go back to Garretstown and we will not stop you there thus keeping them out of the Valley.
But the graveyard at Collierstown is in imminent danger and the two gates on the road, one at Collierstown and the other going to Baronstown need to be blocked completely tomorrow.
They are determined to push through there. The Spanish engineers were defending their actions tonight – they said the NRA told them to work on this particular section of the road.
Collierstown – coming from Dublin is after Dunshaughlin, Drive on about 4 miles to Ross Cross – the next cross road. Take the right at the cross road and the site is not far down that stretch of road. You also pass the Tara post office on the way.
The grave slabs are thrown about the place – broken.
There are bones littered on the ground.
Please anyone who can get up there asap. Very few up there at present.
Now – for Tara.
Ring 086- 17585557
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Monitors with video equipment are urgenty needed at M3 protest sites. Today (Thursday) there are reports of futher violence against peaceful protesters. Anyone who can get to the protests please do.
Location of protesters: Approx 5 miles past Dunshaughlan, turn right at first crossroads (Tara Post office on corner). Straight on and take first right. Down narrow, windy road and site entrance visable.
Daily protests are ongoing and a National Day of Action has been announced for Friday 1st June. Buses will be departing from Dublin, Cork and Galway. Full details to follow.
Related Link: http://savetara.com