May 12 2008
Update on the Hill of Tara, Co. Meath
 UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues |
Tara Hill was one of the most venerated religious spots in early Ireland and the seat of the High Kings of Ireland from the 3rd century until 1022. Despite its importance, the expectant visitor may be disappointed in what he sees as, at Tara there are no signs of regal past, nor impressive remains, only the remains of earthworks. |
But this cluster of megaliths represents a part a larger system capable of recognising specific parts of the lunar and solar cycles. In the case of Tara, it the chamber of the Mound of hostages’ is aligned to mark the November, February quarter days, along with Dowth and Cairns L and U at Loughcrew. Tara is only 10 miles distant from The Boyne Valley, which is clearly visible from there.
We thought it was about time to give you an update on the progress of the Campaign to Save Tara. At the moment, building is continuing and it seems that Tara’s only hope lies outside of Ireland.
The Hill of Tara / M3 motorway and Shell gas developments in Ireland were raised at the Seventh Session of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues in New York, by Margaret Connolly of Retrieve Foundation on April 19 2008. The UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues is an advisory body to the Economic and Social Council, with a mandate to discuss indigenous issues related to economic and social development, culture, the environment, education, health and human rights. Hearing from delegates on the multiple ways in which their respective countries had failed to implement the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, despite having supported its adoption, members of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues discussed today how the body could be more effective in encouraging implementation.
Noting that infrastructure projects financed by European Union member countries continued to force indigenous peoples from their homelands, while European mining companies devastated the environment, the Chair of the European Parliament called on the European Union to develop a normative framework for dealing with such issues in a way that respected human rights. It should also develop the capacity to mediate between indigenous communities and State authorities that were in conflict.
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hi
whats in gods earth have they got at Tara anyhow i visited it once
was very disappointed all i seen was an old church there
all the beautiful old estates thats left in ireland have been turned into
ten thousand weekly hotels the ones thats left how sad
most of them were burned down by the savage irish and the government there
dont seem to give a damn not like in England or North Ireland for that matter
now that you are bankrupt now less will be done they should hand the island back to the English they seem to do a far better job in exploting the situation
i left there in the mid 50ths it was a priest ridden society then
hope it has changed
hope to hear from you
all my best regards Matt
Hi Matt,
Thank you for your comment and I’m so sad that your experience of Ireland has been so disappointing for you. I, as yet, have not been to Ireland (although Ruthie has) and I look forward to making up my own mind.
As far as Tara is concerned, we have found from our telling of the Tales that the site has a tremendous history and is one of the oldest sacred sites in Ireland. I think that is what makes it so important. It’s kind of like putting a housing estate over the site of the Battle of Hastings.
Again, I am sorry your experience was so negative and I hope that mine is more positive when I visit.
Many blessings,
Gary x x x