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RTE: Editorial policy?

category national | arts and media | opinion/analysis author Wednesday March 03, 2004 23:09author by Tara Monitor

No discussion on the plight of Tara

Despite a letter signed by the leading world experts and support from former Taoiseach John Bruton RTE is ignoring the voices thyat wish to preserve the Tara/Skryne valley.

Why is RTE silent when a site that has been proposed to be protected as a world heritage site is under threat from road developers?

Despite being petioned by letter and e-mail RTE so far as ignored a discussion of national importance. Media reports have indicated how "rescue archaeology" has been the order of the day in order to serve the fast tracking of development. This on the back of years of corrupt practices that saw the northside of Dublin turned into an urban sprawl.

Whether people agree or disagree on the issues our national Media should give voice to the concerns that are being raised.

Comments (2 of 2)

Jump To Comment: 1 2
author by Jessica Connor - HAGpublication date Thu Mar 04, 2004 18:33author email jesjes1 at msn dot comauthor address naauthor phone na

What can we do to have our voices heard? This is getting out of order. I don't want to see Tara go. The public should know about this. Awarness needs to be raised. If anyone has any suggestions please e-mail me at jesjes1@msn.com. Thank you.

author by R - Dpublication date Fri Mar 05, 2004 13:01author address author phone

National media sucks but often its really really easy to access local media - which in turn get's the results. The politicians know this well, about time the activists copped on to. BELOW IS A 2 MINUTE PRESS RELEASE I THREW TOGETHER to support Tara from Donegal.
Tips (1) change details to always include mention on local county and local politicians (2) try and throw in the website details (www.indymedia.ie or whatever) (3) write in a real basic way and (4) put a contact no. on it.

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PRESS RELEASE

‘Save Tara/Skryne Valley’ Campaign (Donegal)

ENTER PHONE NO.

March 05, 2004


Donegal politicians urged to ‘Save Tara’

Donegal based supporters of the ‘Save Tara/Skryne Valley’ campaign are urging the county’s politicians to do all the can to save one of the world’s most famous archaeological and spiritual sites from being destroyed.

In August 2003 An Bord Pleanála granted planning permission for a 50-km, €680 million motorway scheme through the valley between the Hill of Tara and the Hill of Skryne, in Co Meath. This valley is "chock-a-block" with monuments, many of which predate the Egyptian pyramids. The 12th-century Skryne Castle is also located in the valley.

The proposed Motorway, which is receiving strong Government backing, will split the valley in two and forever destroy one of Ireland’s most important religious and historical centres. Furthermore it will have a devastating impact upon the trees, animals and nature of the famed Boyne Valley.

The campaign to save the valley is heating up with a letter of protest from leading International academics appearing in editions of the Irish Independent and the Irish Times last week and a broad based network of campaigners vowing to stop the planned Motorway.

Alternatives to the Motorway include expanding the existing N3 in addition to reopening the Navan to Dublin railway line or simply relocating the proposed Motorway. However Environment Minister Martin Cullen, and other leading Fianna Fail TDs appear to be resolved to making the Motorway happen.
Tara merits International conservation measures, such as gaining UNESCO world heritage status, and not this short-sighted vandalism in the name of progress.

Donegal based campaigners will be stepping up the pressure on local TDs, Senators and MEPs by pressing them to act towards the immediate preservation of Tara. They will be promoting the Save Tara website www.savetaraskryne.org throughout the county and asking local people to become active and vocal in this issue of international importance.



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