Only one Tara - not a series of monuments
In the judgement, he stated: “The Hill of Tara is properly to be regarded as a single unified site and not a series of separate archaeological monuments.”
During proceedings, Prof Ruaidhrí de Valera had described Tara as “the focus of Celtic times,” and added that “one would expect important findings on almost any part of the Hill of Tara, and from the historical accounts of it, it seemed very likely that traces of previous occupational use would be found in most, if not all, parts of the hill.”
The defendants in the case, the Commissioners for Public Works in Ireland, had stated:
“Tara was a complex but unified site and not merely a site of royal settlement but probably an extension of the grave system more extensively investigated on the Boyne. The burden of the evidence showed the importance of the whole site, with the Hill of Tara which could not be chopped up.”
In judgement, Cearbhall Ó Dálaigh stated: “The expression ‘national monument’ means a monument or the remains of a monument the preservation of which is a matter of national importance by reason of the historical, architectural, traditional, artistic, or archaeological interest. A monument, among other things, is anything that by its survival commemorates a person, action or event.”
Continuing, he stated: “The word ‘monument’ is not defined in the strict sense: it is stated that it ‘includes’ certain things. It does not have to be of archaeological interest; historical or traditional interest will suffice.”
In closing, Cearbhall Ó Dálaigh asked: “Why, then, could a place or hill not of itself satisfy the definition of monument?”
This Supreme Court judgement and the testimony of Prof de Valera have a direct relevance to any prospective legal challenges.
It suggests that the proposed route of the M3 would fail a judicial review.
An alternative route, 2.5km shorter and 5km away to the west of Tara, is available.
This alternative solution should be pursued now to ensure the immediate delivery of the M3.
Like many others in Meath who would use a new M3, I see this as the best way forward - preservation and progress are not mutually exclusive.
Proinsias Mac Fhearghusa
Navan
Co Meath
