Sir, - You record (May 14th) the bulldozing at Teltown, Co Meath, of an important series of earthworks, about 90m in diameter: these earthworks are the legendary site of the Tailteann Games, and have long been widely respected.
In the Thirties the Office of Public Works, concerned at the rate of destruction of ancient monuments, began a programme of listing such sites. In 1986 the list (with 1854 entries - Teltown was No. 1320) for Meath was published in a handsome format. It was widely distributed to planning authorities and other agencies involved with environmental change in the county.
The new landowner is reported to have contacted Meath County Council; she said: "An archaeologist came out from Trim and looked at the land and an archaeologist from the Office of Public Works told her that it was of no significance." You report that another archaeologist with the Office said that the site was listed as a national monument and was therefore legally protected. Permission to alter it would have to be sought. He had found no record of any permission having been given. But, he continued, that with 150,000 national monuments in the State, it is not feasible to signpost every one or to notify every landowner.
The State sends many notices each year to millions of taxpayers' An Post in the forthcoming election will deliver millions of election letters; why cannot the State at least send one notice to the 150,000 owners of national monuments? - Yours, etc.,
Drogheda,
Co Louth.