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I am of Irish descendency, (Sheehan is my maiden name) and have always been drawn to Ireland and her rich history and heritage. When my husband and I visited last year I saw many things, not the least of which was the building of the M-3. The following is a letter I wrote to the editor of the Irish Independent, which was published March 23rd, 2006:
An American at Tara
Thursday March 23rd 2006
My husband and I spent a wonderful week in Ireland in October.
On our last day, as we were heading to Dublin Airport, we passed some interesting archaeological dig sites which we had noticed just the day before while visiting the Hill of Tara. I mentioned to my husband that I thought it was a bit odd, but perhaps there had been a recent discovery. I had wanted to stop on our way to the airport, but we were pressed for time.
Upon arrival home in the States, I did some research on the Internet to find out about these dig sites.
I was, and am still, shocked. I discovered that these are not working archaeological sites, but rather sites for the new motorway, the M-3, and that the construction is being done on sacred ground. I saw images of the giant shovels and tractors tearing away the top soil, ravaging the earth and anything that might be there.
These "archaeologists" could not possibly be doing anything for the good of the history and heritage of Ireland. I am sure there is little left to salvage.
The NRA promised that a total of 38 archaeological digs would be carried out along the route before any construction work began. This was never done.
More motorways are being built in other areas of Ireland with the same tragic results.
I read in early January that in the small village of Parknahown, County Laois, archaeologists had uncovered the remains of a seventh century village, human skeletons and all.
Before construction of the the M7 began, a quantity of prehistoric pottery dating from the Neolithic period was revealed. The pottery had been placed in a small pit and several other small pits or post holes in close proximity. They knew before they began.
In County Mayo, archaeologists working on the Charlestown by pass found a wealth of artefacts, evidence of a major early Neolithic settlement. But the road work goes on.
I am appalled that this travesty is being allowed by the authorities.
When we return to Ireland in September, what will we find? A scarred and tired landscape with no hope of being healed? Or hopefully, a balanced and well thought out road system that works well for both the present and the past, leaving the dignity and history of our ancestors quietly and lovingly buried in these sacred grounds.
SUSAN REPASKY,
AN AMERICAN VISITOR
(ADDRESS WITH EDITOR)
Something is not right. This message is just to keep things from messing up down the road