Protesters end stand-off at Tara

Demonstrations at the Hill of Tara passed peacefully today as construction workers moved in to excavate the ancient site.

Campaigners blocked archaeologists and workmen from entering the newly discovered 2,000-year-old site at Lismullen early this morning.

But as gardaí and security staff arrived, protesters ended the stand-off.

Controversy has surrounded the site since the ruins were uncovered by workers constructing the M3 motorway last April.

The royal ceremonial enclosure, which lies across the northbound lane of the proposed M3 motorway, was declared a national monument by former environment minister, Dick Roche.

But in one of his final acts of office, he controversially signed an order of preservation by record for the site, meaning the prehistoric henge would be photographed, sketched and measured before being razed to make way for the motorway.

Current Minister for the Environment John Gormley maintains he does not have the authority to revoke his predecessor’s decision without a material change in circumstance.

EU officials have also called on the Irish Government to halt work on the motorway. The union’s petitions committee said a route review should be carried out.

TaraWatch – which last month handed a petition with 50,000 signatures opposing the plans to the government – is now sending a solicitors letter to the Environment Minister, the National Roads Authority, Meath County Council, and the Attorney General, demanding that the excavations do not commence.

Laura Grealish, of TaraWatch, said the Lismullen site is of huge significance.

“The European Commission has made it clear that its demolition is illegal,” she said.

“Today’s demonstration has once again highlighted the disgust that people feel over Minister Gormley’s handling of this matter. We have solicitors’ letters prepared to send to the authorities, and hope that excavations will be halted imminently.”

Campaigner John Farrelly said a large number of people showed up this morning to protest against the vandalism that is continuing at Tara.

“When the Gardai arrived at the site, a decision was made to end the stand-off as we did not want anybody to be injured,” he said.