Madam, - The recent discovery of the ancient Lismullin ritual site and other antiquities proves once and for all that Tara consists of more than just the monuments on the hill. Reversing the planning decision to run a short section of the M3 through the Tara/Skryne valley would preserve Ireland's greatest ancient monument.
In the short term this might be seen as a sacrifice of economic benefit in favour of heritage. But in the longer term this may not be the case. To borrow a phrase from the American vernacular, "They ain't making it any more". With proper management, the recent discoveries by NRA archaeologists could turn the site into a far greater tourist attraction than it now is.
Tourism is one of the few industries that cannot be moved offshore. Ireland's unique antiquities, and the beauty of its unspoilt landscape can only become more important economically as world prosperity grows and tourism increases.
The new Minister for the Environment should have the courage and foresight to divert this short section of the M3 before a unique and irreplaceable archaeological landscape is damaged forever. - Yours, etc,
NIAMH WHITFIELD, Faroe Road, London W14.
Madam, - I wonder what percentage of Fianna Fáil members and supporters know the origin of the party's name. I suspect very few do.
It is often translated as "Soldiers of Destiny", but this is more a slogan which was deemed appropriate rather than the original meaning. The word "Fáil" comes from "Liath Fáil", the High King's inauguration stone on the Hill of Tara. It represents the nation; hence the term "Fir Fáil" effectively meaning men of Ireland.
The "Fianna", most will know, was the army of the High King but most will not know that they fought and lost their last battle in the Gowra (Gabhra) valley - yes, the one that's having a motorway built through it. The road will cover the Gowra stream which is the most mentioned waterway in Irish-language literature.
Finally, for information, the location where this "Henge" has been found is where King Cormac had a huge corn mill built, hence the name Lismullin (Lios an Mhuillinn - Fort of the Mill). It is documented as the first mill in Ireland. Given the devastation around Tara, Dev must be turning in his grave. - Is mise,
CIARÁN MAC SAMHRÁIN, Kilmainham, Dublin 8.