Tara: Outside looking In Blog

national | environment | other press Monday April 04, 2005 17:20 by eekkkkk

Reuters Story

"It is a measure of the importance that the opposing sides attach to Tara that the battle between heritage and development has pitted ministers against Hollywood stars.

"Better roads mean a better future," Minister for Transport Martin Cullen declared at the unveiling of a 1.4 billion euro ($1.88 billion) 2005 road plan in February.

The spiritual descendants of Tara's ancient rulers plan to make a pilgrimage there at summer solstice to cast spells to block the construction of the motorway.

Celebrities have also become involved in the effort.

Irish actor Stuart Townsend -- who has appeared in a smattering of Hollywood films -- has joined the opposing ranks, convincing his Oscar-winning actress girlfriend Charlize Theron to have her portrait painted and sold to highlight the issue.

"But you don't see many Hollywood actors waiting for a bus in Navan at a quarter to six in the morning," Fitzmaurice said."