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Hill of Tara nominated for World Heritage Site status

by Ann Casey  Updated: Wednesday, 11th February, 2009 10:45am

Meath Archaeological Society reiterates fears over 'further damaging development’

The Tara landscape has been nominated by the Meath Archaeological and Historical Society (MAHS) for inclusion in UNESCO"s tentative list of World Heritage Sites (WHS) currently being drawn up by the Department of the Environment.

The society, which has over 550 members in Meath, says the Tara landscape fulfils World Heritage Site requirements, being an archaeological, historical and cultural landscape of outstanding universal value.

In its detailed submission, the society adds that the landscape is a unique archaeological, historical, ceremonial, political and cultural landscape focused around the Hill of Tara complex, which served as a necropolis, sanctuary, ritual and royal centre for successive peoples over thousands of years.

'Apart from the dense and varied collection of archaeological sites on the Hill of Tara itself, the Tara landscape comprises a rich and diverse collection of archaeological sites and complexes from the prehistoric to the early historic and medieval periods, including burial monuments, habitation sites, ritual and religious sites and complexes, hillforts, enclosures, souterrains and linear embankments, all testifying to continuous settlement and ceremonial use by different cultures over the millennia,' it goes on.

The society pointed out that, apart from the known archaeological sites, recent research by the Discovery Programme has uncovered evidence of further sites and complexes, and archaeological investigations associated with the M3 motorway have further testified to the richness of the archaeological remains.

'The Tara landscape is also extensively documented in Irish literature and mythology and, more than any other area in Ireland, has long been closely associated with Irish national identity. In a rural and tribal society lacking urban centres, Tara was, in the minds of the people of the island of Ireland, the centre of the world. And Tara"s symbolic importance continued long after it ceased to function as a religious and political centre, evoked in our literature, folklore, mythology and politics.'

The society believes that, while the extent of the Tara landscape is complex, a working definition can be arrived at, based on the recent multi disciplinary Tara Survey. This would give an area of 49sq km, roughly equivalent in size to the Bru na Boinne World Heritage Site, and corresponding with the historic definition of the Royal Demesne of Tara - an area comprising and surrounding the core areas of the Hill of Tara and the Hill of Skryne (including the Gabhra valley and Lismullin), and with a buffer zone extending from Dowdstown/Dalgan/Lismullen to the north and north-east, Skryne to the east, Dunsany/Warrenstown to the south, and Ringlestown/Kilmessan and the Boyne river to the west and north-west.

The society"s main concerns for the Tara landscape relate to the threat of inappropriate development, the lack of effective legislative protection and the dangers of neglect/mismanagement.

'The Tara archaeological and historical landscape has, until recently, remained free from inappropriate development. However, the decision to route a section of the M3 tolled motorway through the heart of the Tara landscape, including a 26-acre interchange within a short distance of the Hill of Tara itself, has not only severely damaged the integrity of this ancient landscape but it has also raised real concerns as to the prospect of secondary development further threatening the heritage and landscape,' the MAHS submission states.

It refers to the Meath County Development Plan (2007-2013) proposal for the designation of a Landscape Conservation Area for Tara and says while this is welcome and should afford some protection, it has not reduced their long-term concerns, given the motorway decision and the fact that development plans are subject to five yearly reviews and are also capable of amendment by a motion in the council.

'The society is concerned that further damaging development may be permitted in the future. In addition, the landscape is not protected under national heritage legislation and even designated national monuments are no longer fully protected since the National Monuments Amendment Act 2004. In effect, only World Heritage Site status will afford the landscape the protection and management it deserves while also enabling and facilitating further research into its rich treasures,' MAHS adds in its extensive submission.

Other concerns voiced by the society relate to access to the Hill of Tara and general management of the heritage and tourist facilities. The society has asked that the Hill of Tara remain freely accessible to the public, as is presently the case.

'While it must be protected and managed, we do not think it should be cordoned off as we feel it is a vital part of our socio-economic community. Any future interpretative centre should be located off the Tara hilltop and local communities be fully consulted and integrated into its design, function and management,' according to the submission.