The geophysial survey of the M3 toll-motorway corridor: a prelude to Tara's destruciton?

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.