The geophysial survey of the M3 toll-motorway corridor: a prelude to Tara's destruciton?
Date
2005Author
Fenwick, Joseph P.
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Fenwick, J. P. (2005). The geophysial survey of the M3 toll-motorway corridor: a prelude to Tara's destruciton? Ríocht na Midhe, XVI, 8-22.
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Abstract
The geophysical survey of the ‘emerging preferred route’ of the M3 toll-motorway through the
Tara/Skryne valley has identified a wealth of new archaeological monuments. Still greater
numbers of sites have come to light during test trenching and more discoveries are anticipated
before investigations are completed. This comes as no surprise as the proposed route
effectively bisects the Royal Demesne of Tara – a long-recognised archaeological landscape
of international importance. Irrespective of the number of archaeological monuments that will
be destroyed in the path of the motorway, the chief concern remains the choice of route and
the irreversible damage it will cause. In consideration of the financial, cultural and ethical
issues at stake it is crucial that this poor planning decision is reversed and the other viable
options reconsidered.