Heritage of Ireland being bulldozed...make way for new roads.
By design
@design (849)
Ireland
July 31, 2007 6:46pm CST
Here in Ireland our Government with help from local council have a great way of killing our heritage, all for new motorways, with toll charges to line their pockets (or some European company's pockets) Why? to make it quicker to get around?. Wow. We are a small country for those of you who have ever been here you will know that you can drive the length and breath of Ireland in 1 day.
Now they're after Tara Hill, the seat of the High Kings until the 11th century. Tara Hill is the historic, political and spiritual centre of Celtic Ireland. From here (on a clear day (not seeing much of them these days:() you can see half the counties of Ireland from here)
The oldest structure is a passage tomb known as Mound of Hostages Here the High Kings would keep the eldest sons of other kings hostage to ensure good behavior.
The Lia Fail or Stone of Destiny this is where the Kings would be crowned.
This is an important part of our History, and those of you who have been or those who plan to visit there is a petition that you can sign to help save it( we need all the help that we can get) www.tarawatch.org
Thank you.
3 people like this
5 responses
@mummymo (23706)
•
1 Aug 07
You know I used to live in Ireland and I loved it - but the roads were awful! I know they have improved a lot lately and that is , in my opinion at least a good thing on the whole! When it comes to historical sites and preserving them however that is a different matter! I hope that you have a lot of success in saving this historic site and I would love to help - surely there are other routes they can take and perhaps it is time to consider these rather than trying to save money by eradicating such a place! Best Wishes xxxx
1 person likes this
@design (849)
• Ireland
5 Aug 07
I'm not sure how long ago that you lived here but yes the roads have improved. What use to take 2.5 hrs Dublin to Monaghan now takes 1hr 15 mins, And Dublin to Cork takes about 2.5 hrs as apposed to what? 6 in moderate to hard traffic. The by-passing of towns are great for those commuting for work but it is killing out small towns, that have so much to offer.
1 person likes this
@mummymo (23706)
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6 Aug 07
Well I lived in one of those small towns not too far from Dublin about 13 years ago sweety and the roads were truly awful! My ex still lives there and I know they have improved his life but surely the tourists still use the old roads much of the time? I loved the way of life over there and made many friends - not hard to do in a place like Ireland! I am sorry if my comments upset you - that was not my intention in any way - I love Ireland and have not visited for about 2 years - think another visit is long overdue! xxx
1 person likes this
@sunshinecup (7871)
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1 Aug 07
My father's family came from Ireland and I do have plans of coming there some day, once I figure out how, afraid of flying. It's heart breaking to hear this, I just had it in my head, unlike the US, Ireland would never bulldoze their history for profit. I will go to the site you suggested as well as pass this along to family and friends. This is just a shame and to be honest who ever thought of this idea needs a good swift kick.
@design (849)
• Ireland
2 Aug 07
Thanks sunshinecup,
Ireland is all about profit, more so these days :( That figure you gave me sounds right as I'm only a few below you but can't remember the no. I'm not sure if it will work, I really hope it will, But the number of people who are writing to our national papers are doing a great job too very few of these are Irish, but most are of Irish decent. So that is helping, also I think it's going to Europe now to see if they can stop it so all those who sign the petition are certainly a big help, Also my Aunt who is in Sydney went on her local radio station to let those interested in Ireland and history and heritage know what they plan to do here, and she's getting a great response.
@sunshinecup (7871)
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1 Aug 07
BTW I noticed I made number 30247th!
Do you think this will work, a cyber petition? I will go back to the site later today at lunch to see if I can find more that I can do. This is just a shame and heart breaking.
Thanks for sharing this.
1 person likes this
@chertsy (3798)
• United States
1 Aug 07
I wanted to say that I signed the petition to help save Tara Hill. My 2nd daughter has the name Tara. To know that there is a place in Ireland with such a beautiful name Tara Hill, everyone must work together to save it. I hope my name helps and that many more will go and sign. Please keep me informed on how this goes.
1 person likes this
@chertsy (3798)
• United States
1 Aug 07
Your welcome and thank you for keeping me informed. I hate to know that they are willing to destroy such a historical landmark for a road. It would be cheaper to go around it, than paying to have a building knocked down and cleared away. Just shameful.
1 person likes this
@Eskimo (2315)
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25 Aug 07
I don't think you should stand in the way of progress (you'll get run over by a bulldozer if you do), but on the other hand historical sites should always be preserved. Ther are some parts of Ireland which haven't really reached the 20th Centuary, never mind the 21st, and some of the roads really need to be improved for motor traffic. The improvements should, however be really needed and not just built to give massive profits to the road builders. I've never thought that toll roads are necessary or even should be utalised until all the main & secondary roads are brought up to an acceptable standard. Toll roads should only be built as an alternative for the main roads.
