One may be forgiven for feeling trenched in utter astonishment after finding a statement concerning the National monument no. 140, Grianán of Aileach, mentioned in a press release responding to accusations made by the Garda Representative Association against the OPW.
The rather generous spending habits of this state body hit the headlines in Donegal after it was revealed that the OPW paid over 1000 Euros to change three light bulbs in a Garda Station.
It is most certainly beyond the capability of my comprehension, why the OPW felt obliged to add Grianán of Aileach to its attempt of justification. Nevertheless, since public money has been spent for nearly a decade on a public project (National monument) by the Office of Public Works, which earned its members in charge of the monument the nickname ‘The hole in the wall gang’, it would be of vital public interest to see the cost of these ‘conservation works’ and the so far futile attempt to ‘improve the structures future stability’. The 2001 ‘detailed archaeological and engineering investigation ‘, which took a year to carry out and led to concreting a dry stone monument and changing its appearance and shape dramatically, would also require closer investigation as how much was paid to whom. The execution of this investigation has left Grianán of Aileach with a frequent occurrence of collapses and visitors with a closed or partially closed National monument.
Last year at least one meeting between the Inishowen representatives of Donegal County Council and the OPW took place in strange secrecy concerning this issue. I sent each of them before hand information about the recent collapses and asked them to approach the OPW over the expense of their ‘work’ carried out at Grianán so far. I suppose it was somehow a response as in January this year a motion was put forward by one councillor “That Donegal County Council immediately lead up a strategic initiative to maximise the tourism potential of Grianan of Aileach in partnership with the OPW and Duchas and to give An Grianan its place in our national heritage.” All members voted in favour of this motion. Not even one of our gallant politicians had any knowledge of the abolition of the state body Duchas in 2003.

PS: The unexpected inclusion of Grianán in a response to the Garda Representative Association is a copy and past exercise. They never could spell lintels (‘lintols‘)

The link to the OPW website may not be there for long. It has a history of disappearing information.

Gardai call for end to ‘disastrous’ OPW
By Tom Brady
Wednesday April 29 2009
Gardai have called for the abolition of the Office of Public Works (OPW), which they describe as an unmitigated disaster.
Rank and file members of the force yesterday accused the OPW of “blundering incompetence”, leaving thousands of gardai in diabolical working conditions, in overcrowded and inappropriate buildings.
The savage attack on the Government body was made at the GRA conference in Killarney yesterday, where GRA president Michael O’Boyce demanded action from Justice Minister Dermot Ahern.
He called on the minister to bring a proposal to abolish the OPW, or at the very least remove it from any involvement in garda accommodation.
Mr O’Boyce said the OPW had failed to future-proof garda stations, with many being too small. And he alleged that the body squandered public money with no concept of value.
He said that a contractor had offered to refurbish the gym in Letterkenny Garda Station at a cost of €5,000 but when the OPW took charge, the cost became €15,000. Mr O’Boyce also claimed that it cost €1,100 to replace three light bulbs.
The allegations were rejected by the OPW, whose spokesman said he was surprised and disappointed.
- Tom Brady

OPW Response to GRA Statements April 28 2009
PRESS RELEASE

OPW RESPONSE TO STATEMENTS BY THE GARDA REPRESENTATIVE ASSOCATION
The OPW is surprised and disappointed to hear the statements made by Mr. Michael O’Boyce, President of the Garda Representative Association (GRA) regarding the work of the OPW. The OPW has always had an excellent working
relationship with the Garda Authorities and the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform.
The GRA in their statement highlighted a small number of specific examples, which they claim is indicative of the work that OPW undertake. These four examples, when put into the context of managing over seven hundred Garda Stations throughout the country and other Garda facilities such as Garda Headquarters, Templemore Garda Training College, Harcourt Terrace etc., would appear relatively trivial. The facts below speak for themselves. OPW is at all times conscious of obtaining maximum value for money for the State
OPW has undertaken a very successful Garda Building Programme in recent years. Since 1995, some €219m has been spent by OPW providing new Garda accommodation including Templemore Garda College and carrying out major extensions and refurbishments to existing Garda Stations. From 2004 to 2008 alone over €136m has been spent on major capital works.
It is alleged by the GRA that OPW has failed to ‘future proof’ new Garda Stations in that many are too small when opened. The design of any Garda Station is based on a brief of requirements provided by An Garda Síochána in the first instance. Occasionally, due to Garda operational requirements, it can be the case that between the award of a construction contract and final completion additional facilities may be required. This is more the exception than the rule.

The facts relating to the examples given by the GRA are:
· Letterkenny Garda Station – Refurbishment of Gym.
The GRA have chosen to extract one item from the overall quotation and are not comparing like for like in their statement. The actual electrical costs alone which were associated with the project, was €10,366.18 excl. VAT. This was a necessary part of the work involved but was not captured in the quotation sourced by the Garda.
· Ballinhassig Garda Station
The statement quoted is inaccurate on two counts:
1. the work involved is for a new shower unit and a new kitchen fit-out, with associated services to provide these facilities
2. the estimate provided was €14,000 excl. VAT (€15,890.00 incl. VAT) for both elements.
This estimate was provided on 21/07/08. We await approval to proceed and the works have not been undertaken.

· Churchill Garda Station
OPW currently have a publicly procured ‘drawdown’ contract for floor coverings, which is at the disposal of all Government Departments and used extensively by An Garda Síochána funded through Garda Procurement Division.
In January 2009, Churchill GS was one of a number of stations in Donegal identified in need of such materials. The cost of €4,050.00 (incl.VAT) included marmoleum, safety floor, stair nosings and sheeting of floors in preparation for floor covering. It should be noted that OPW had no direct involvement at any stage in the processing of this request. This was handled directly between local Garda personnel and the nominated “draw down” contractor.

· Grianan Aileach – National Monument No.140

Pre OPW condition of the site:
A detailed illustrated description of the site can be found in the Ordnance Survey Memoirs of 1837. The remains of the original structure were in a totally collapsed state with the surviving stonework scattered around the hilltop. Between 1874 and 1878, a local expert undertook a rebuilding project on the site of Grianan Aileach. His excavations appear to have revealed the remains of small collapsed sections of the lower level of the outer wall. In the absence of further archaeological evidence for its original appearance, he modelled his rebuild on the relatively intact Staigue Iron Age Fort in County Kerry. (Proceedings of the Royal
Irish Academy Vol1 1879)
History of collapse and the need for a more permanent repair method:
When the site came into State Care approximately thirty years later the restored walls were already in a dilapidated state with extensive collapse of the outer stonework. (76TH annual Report of Commissioners of Public Works 1907/08) Despite OPW efforts to carry out patch repair work to the monument over the next 80 years, OPW files show that the work conducted in
the 1870s was unstable and collapse was reoccurring on a regular basis. In 1989, following another major collapse and short term patch repair work, OPW undertook to monitor the condition of the monument and investigate intervention methods which could stabilise the structure.
Present OPW conservation effort:
In 2001 a detailed archaeological and engineering investigation was undertaken which revealed sections of the line of the disturbed ancient pre-restoration structure and confirmed the shape and outline of work undertaken in the 1870s. Because of the significant amenity value of the restored monument OPW considered that it would not be appropriate or feasible to dismantle and remove the restored stonework and to leave the site in its pre-restoration collapsed state. The engineer recommended that the bulging sections of walling which were liable to collapse should be dismantled and rebuilt. Due to the instability of the underlying surviving stonework, supports were inserted at the base of the rebuilt sections and over the lintols of the internal passageways. All external walling have a central fill which will considerably improve the structures future stability.
The wall tops have been secured in an effort to prevent interference causing stone collapse and the resultant risk to the visitor. The conservation works were completed by January 2008.

The OPW is very proud of the large portfolio of work that it has undertaken on behalf of all our clients, including the Garda Authorities, in the past and continues, despite the current challenging economic climate, to carry out a significant amount of projects in full consultation with our clients’ priorities.

Ends
* For further information contact George Moir, OPW Press Officer, (01) 647 6128 or (087) 231 4537.

When the day comes, and one more but decisive part of our past will crumble under the higher, bigger, faster grip of our hand, we will fall with it.
After all, the great universe itself will reach eventually the point, where it can expand no further and will implode into the grain of dust, it grew from. And we, great conquerors and champions in waiting against any inconvenience in our presumptuous lives, seem to be in an astonishing hurry to reach this finishing line.
Unsurprisingly, we remain oblivious to the chain of events leading to downfall, since we parcelled our past into preservation by record and a virtual world of animation.
Over the last week holes appeared on the inside wall above the gate. I counted 1 large and 4 smaller ones. It seems that the loose stones have been moved to the entrance of the northern passage. The gate section was rebuilt in 2006 .
I assume that the OPW will fill them with concrete in the next days.
Photos taken May 09, 2009.

Detail 1

Detail 2

Detail 3

Entrance northern passage

The beautiful old Swilly Hotel on Buncrana’s shore has received its final stabbing after decades of endurance, which have left a feeble shell, where once grandeur praised the splendour of this spot. It will be flattened and replaced by architectural suicide and environmental disagreeability. Another landmark gone in a town built on the destruction of its entire past. Houses placed on thousands of years old monuments, the last trace of the Ó Dochartaighs will soon fall into dust and no single reminder left of the story of the pier, its herrings fleet, the landing of tall ships, the coal boats and all these vibrant activities, held by a port, where water was a rather difficult matter to spot. Even the oldest house in the history of Buncrana on this side of the river, The Lodge, built around 1770, is awaiting execution.
Opposing this proposal, no doubt, would rally the cries of self-serving intentions, shielded well with the much overstretched, but nevertheless immaculately functioning guard of job creation. It seems of no importance, that such claim would be remarkably short lived, as has been already proven, and does not display any continuance to contribute to the future and more stable welfare and prosperity of Buncrana.

It comes as no surprise, that Harry P. Swan’s books of Inishowen, do not find their way into re-publishing, and the few copies circulating are sold for a very high price to a better off clientele. In his time, seventy, eighty years ago, Buncrana was called the Queen of Donegal, visitor filled and reputed as the best spa for respiratory dispositions, an opportunity, which quickly left the scene with the arrival of multi-nationals, not only tearing hordes of youngsters out of their education and destroying an already existing and self-containing shirt industry, but they also managed to bring asthma to the offspring of the town, as one of the plants with all its waste was placed lovingly between the old pier and the castle, in the middle of a residential area. Empty and abandoned now, the pain inflicted still lingers, and should have served as an example of how not to proceed. But apparently, the comprehensive destruction of everything good, unique and beautiful emerges as the chosen path, reducing the dying of the swan to serve as outlandish but single meal.

Why is Grianan of Aileach still being neglected? – MacLochlainn asks

Despite being one of Ireland’s truly historic sites, Burt’s Grianan of Aileach is all but ignored both in terms of the provision of facilities and tourism promotion
In another attempt to rectify this Sinn Fein’s Pádraig Mac Lochlainn has submitted a motion to Donegal County Council aimed at maximising the potential of the ancient ring fort.
Since election to Donegal County Council in 2004, Colr Mac Lochlainn has campaigned for the development of the structure, repeatedly raising the matter at council meetings and meeting with Office of Public Works (OPW) officials on site at An Grianan on two occasions.
Cllr Mac Lochlainn said: “Last year, I visited the site at the Hill of Tara in County Meath and witnessed for myself the facilities for visitors at that location. I would argue that An Grianan is an equally important historical location to the island of Ireland as it was also the base of the High Kingship of Ireland (Ard Rí) at a time and is visually more impressive in terms of the panoramic views around it.
“So why does it continue to be neglected? Why is it not even mentioned on the OPW’s own Heritage Sites of Ireland map? Why is the signage to the site on approach roads so poor? I am tired of the lack of focus on An Grianan. In recent years, there have been ongoing works to ensure the safety of the structure and despite some controversy, following a meeting with OPW officials at the site; I accept the works were necessary. But it is now time to develop the potential of this wonderful national treasure.
” I have submitted the following motion for the next meeting of the council and I am confident of its successful passing and I am utterly determined to ensure that its objectives are delivered.”
The motion reads: “That Donegal County Council immediately lead up a strategic initiative to maximise the tourism potential of Grianan of Aileach in partnership with the OPW and Duchas and to give An Grianan its place in our national heritage”.

LACK OF FOCUS

Councillor Pádraig MacLochlainn put last week a motion forward “ to maximise the tourism potential of Grianan of Aileach in partnership with the OPW and Duchas and to give An Grianan its place in our national heritage”.
If he is talking about Duchas – The Heritage Service and Irish State body responsible for national monuments and historic properties, then good luck to him, because this Duchas has been abolished in 2003. It was seen as an obstacle in the preparations for the National Monuments (Amendment) Act 2004, which gave the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the power to injure and to destruct a national monument without any restriction to archaeological considerations (Section 14/2d). And because a motorway was going to be built through the world heritage site at Tara, so much praised by Councillor MacLochlainn, the construction of this road did already include the above and worse.
The responsibilities of Duchas were split between the Department of aforesaid Minister and the Department for Finance and the OPW.
Staying with the Office of Public Works and in connection with Grianan of Aileach, – maximising “the tourism potential” is not something which would naturally spring to mind, considering what must be the record closure for any national monument in such short amount of time. Re-arranging the layout, shape-shifting and concreting a dry stone monument aside, but if I would have had a garden wall built by fault or design by a company with such a record of collapses, like the OPW has with Grianan of Aileach, I would only let my enemies walk on top of it.

Maybe if Councillor MacLochlainn would have had experienced this extent of construction failure on his own house, he would have been less trusting towards the lullaby of those responsible for it. He might even have been able to focus a little bit harder on the underlying issues.

I received an email from the Tara Foundation, who got successfully in contact with the OPW, containing the following statement:

“Grianan Aileach has not be removed from the National Monuments List.
It will remain on the list and in State care as long as it is in State 
ownership. Grianan Aileach is not featured on the 
www.heritageireland.ie map as this is a map of Heritage sites with 
Visitor Centres only.

It is not within the OPW’s scope to remove monuments from the list, 
the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government would 
be the only department with this authority.”

Shame though, that not even the old version from 1999 is available anymore on any website

and everyone is left guessing what may or may not be on this list. Old versions laying in libraries and town councils are long outdated. Time to publish a new List of National Monuments. Much has changed since. Duchas, the Heritage Service which compiled the list back then, has been abolished now for nearly four years. In Inishowen alone a great and unknown number of heritage sites have quitly disappeared to make space for business and retail parks as well as housing estates and big private villas. In the ten years I am here now, no one has declared any archaeological findings during building work in an area saturated with history. So much has been lost. An ill conceived motorway is ploughing its way through the Tara Valley and National monument or not, everything in its way got to go. Means of transport, means of living change quite frequently. But you can’t re-grow centuries and milleniums of a destroyed past.

      “Here is fruit for the crows to pluck,
       For the rain to gather, for the wind to suck,
       For the sun to rot, for the trees to drop,
       Here is a strange and bitter crop.”

And so very quietly. Some time ago. No one really knows when. No one really cares. No outcry. No rage nor anger. Not even a single question: Why? – is raised. Absolute silence.

In a statement to the Inish Times George Moir, press officer, OPW, “said they had a valid reason for omitting Grianán of Aileach from the national list“. Not that one is given or ever has been.

What was once put in place to protect the remaining riches of a ever struggling past is now being dismantled piece by piece. One small step in the overall scheme of proceedings in motion. A big one towards Grianan’s fall. The hotel is coming.

“And we, spectators, always, everywhere,

turning towards all and never beyond!

It overwhelms us. We arrange it. It falls apart.

We arrange it again and fall apart ourselves. “

Rainer Maria Rilke, Achte Duineser Elegie, 1922

It has yet to be established when the ringfort of stone was built on top of Greenan Hill but the earthworks and now lost souterrain (underground chamber) originate from as early as the Stone and Bronze Age. The geographical position of the hill and therefore everything placed on its top enjoys not only vast views but also a very commanding position. The ringfort itself was attacked and destroyed on three known occasions. The last took place in 1101 as Murtagh O’Brien, King of Munster, plundered Inishowen in an act of revenge and ordered his men to billet the stones of Aileach “on the horses of the king of the West”. Only a few stones actually made the journey all the way to Limerick but the destruction was long-term, since 700 years had to pass until the ‘discovery’ of the ruin of Grianan Aileach at the beginning of the 1800’s. Subsequently great interest was taken into this antiquity and in 1874 an architect from Derry, Dr. Walter Bernard, took it upon himself to restore the ruin and prevent it from further damage from souvenir-hungry visitors. He finished in 1878 and a grand re-opening was held. He left a detailed account of his restoration in the proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy, finishing that” it be taken charge of under the Act likely soon to come into force for the Preservation of Ancient Monuments. – Jan. 30th, 1879″.

Grianan Aileach went into the care of the then British OPW in 1904 and seemed to be mentioned in 76th Annual Report of Commissioners of Public Works 1907/08 regarding the state of the monument. A verbal request to receive a copy of this document was denied in November 2006.

Between 1878 and 1904 damage occurred on the monument and it still has to be established what the extent of this damage was and more importantly what caused it. Dr. Bernard described in his report the reason of previous damage to the fort:

“An account of the rapid destruction of the Grianan is given by Mr. Godwin, F.S.A., in the April number of the Architect for 1872. He states that at the time of his visit in March, 1858, the masonry was in a very dilapidated condition, owing in a great part to the labours of some gentleman, who many years ago evinced, more curiosity than care in searching after subterranean passages, &c.: since which time this interesting work of antiquity has deplorably suffered by the summer invasion of visitors from the neighbouring city – indeed, to such an extent that the drawings of the fort, taken at the time of the Ordnance Survey, have literally become matters of history, for the inclined jambs, the interior terrace with its steps, the small central building, and many other features of note which then existed are now no more. These statements, from reliable witnesses, are sufficient to convince anyone that what had lain concealed and disregarded for centuries would, by the unthinking, careless, and curious, be soon reduced to nothing. Probably this work of spoliation might still have advanced with a more rapid pace, inasmuch as newspaper writers of late years have been drawing the attention of the general public to the locality.”

In a statement made to the Donegal Democrat on October 3, 2006, Aaron Gracey, Events Coordinator, Public Relations Department, OPW, listed “Sample extracts from Derry Journal on OPW file recording recurring damage to site:

“14/4/1939 Vandalism at Aileach

16/5/1961 Grianan damage to be repaired

29/12 /1989 Grianan of Aileach badly damaged”

In November 2000 the Lough Swilly / west facing wall collapsed. Repair work finished at the beginning of 2003.

In September 2003 the Lough Swilly / west facing wall collapsed.

At the beginning of summer 2005 the Lough Swilly / west facing wall collapsed.

In June 2006 the gate section was dismantled and rebuilt.

In June 2007 the Lough Swilly / west facing wall was dismantled and rebuilt.

Statements made by the OPW

03/10/2003 Derry Journal

The Office of Public Works yesterday defended its decision to use concrete to rebuild a collapsed section of the historic Grianan of Aileach ringfort in Burt.
However, the OPW conservation architect in charge of the restoration works at Grianan of Aileach, told the ‘Journal’ yesterday that the use of concrete was essential in order to ensure the safety of the many tourists who visit the fort. Paul McMahon said the practice was “acceptable” as the repair work was not to the original ancient structure but to Dr Bernard’s 1870 extensive reconstruction of the fort, which was once the throne of the High Kings of Ireland.
“We are now making good the poor restoration work done in the 1970’s,” he said. “Two specialists, an engineer and an archaeologist, have been monitoring and advising on the work currently being carried out on the ancient building. The stabilising concrete is being put into the core of the wall at the depth of up to two metres while the dry stone facing is the then built to the front.”
“In the international world concrete is used extensively – you see it in the Colosseum in Rome. Primarily the role is to make it safe for visitors,” he added.

In treaties and conventions signed by the Irish government it is clearly stated “The conservation of a monument implies preserving a setting which is not out of scale. Wherever the traditional setting exists, it must be kept. No new construction, demolition or modification which would alter the relations of mass and colour must be allowed. … The moving of all or part of a monument cannot be allowed except where the safeguarding of that monument demands it or where it is justified by national or international interest of paramount importance.” and that “any measures adopted should be “reversible” so that they can be removed and replaced with more suitable measures when new knowledge is acquired. Where they are not completely reversible, interventions should not limit further interventions.”

The colosseum in Rome (http://www.the-colosseum.net/idx-en.htm) was built from travertin stone or Roman cement, the first concrete. Roman builders were also aware that a foundation is needed for this kind of construction and excavated accordingly in 70 AD.

Grianan Aileach stands on solid rock without foundation, since its original design was a dry stone construction which does not require such feature. In buildings and walls with mortar, cement or concrete as binding component between stones or bricks the foundation is essential to the structural integrity. Adding concrete to Grianan Aileach has therefore increased the instability of the monument, since no foundation has been excavated prior to the use of concrete.

08/07/2004 Tom Parlon, TD, Minister of State at the Department of Finance; reply to Parliamentary Question by Cecilia Keaveney, TD, regarding Grianan Aileach.

A scheme has been devised to prevent structural collapse at this monument. This involves the dismantling of sections which have collapsed or are liable to collapse and the construction of an embedded concrete wall in this areas. Reconstruction of the dry stone walls enveloping the concrete wall will take place as individual sections of the concrete wall are completed.

Work commenced in 2003 and will continue until 2005.

In the case of the Lough Swilly/west facing section of this monument the methods employed are not just in breach of international conventions but also highly unsuccessful. To my knowledge there is no other monument in the world which needed to be rebuilt that many times in such short amount of time.

27/09/2006 Aaron Gracey, Events Coordinator, Public Relations Department, OPW, statement to the Donegal Democrat

Dr. Walter Bernard, a local resident, carried out re-building of the monument between the years of 1874-1878. Following a series of major collapses of the restored structure, the monument was placed in State Care in 1904. Local repairs were carried out at the time but due to the unsatisfactory nature of the restored external masonry works and rubble/earth centre fill, sectional collapse continued at regular intervals.

In 2001, a specialist structural engineering and archaeological survey was undertaken by OPW. It revealed the lower original sections of the wall and confirmed the reasons for the monuments instability. The original inward leaning, stable profile and line of the Grianan wall was established and the monument is now being restored to that design.

Two of the three workers on the site are qualified stonemasons.

To the best of our knowledge there is no cement being used to repair the site at present.

The present intervention should considerably improve the future stability of the monument and ensure safe public access to the site.

03/10/2006 Aaron Gracey, Events Coordinator, Public Relations Department, OPW, statement to the Donegal Democrat

Grianan Aileach 3/09/06

As stated in the previous response, a local man, Dr. Walter Bernard rebuilt the site of Grianan Aileach between 1874 and 1878. However, in the absence of archaeological evidence for its original appearance, he modelled the rebuild on the relatively intact Staigue Iron Age Fort in County Kerry.History of collapse and need for more  permanent repair methodWhen the site came into State Care approximately thirty years later the restored walls were already in a dilapidated state with extensive collapse of the outer stonework. Despite OPW efforts to carry out patch repair work to the monument over the next 80 years the files show that Bernard’s work was unstable and collapse was reoccurring on a regular basis.In 1989, following another major collapse and short term patch repair work, OPW undertook to monitor the condition of the monument and investigate intervention methods that could stabilise the structure. Immediately following the next collapse a specialist multi-disciplinary team was assembled by OPW to address the problem. In 2001, a detailed archaeological and engineering investigation was undertaken which revealed sections of the line of the ancient pre-restoration structure and confirmed the shape and outline of Bernard’s work.Due to the significant amenity value of Bernard’s restored monument OPW considered that it would not be appropriate or feasible to dismantle and remove Bernard’s restored stonework and to leave the site in its pre-restoration collapsed state. The engineer recommended that the bulging sections of walling, which were liable to collapse should be dismantled and rebuilt to Bernard’s inward sloping design.

Due to the instability of the underlying surviving stonework modern reinforced concrete supports were inserted at the base of the rebuilt sections over the lintols of the internal passageways. All external walling would be constructed by OPW craftsmen to match Bernard’s design but with a sound central fill which would considerably improve the structures future stability. The use of modern materials in the preservation of ancient structures is standard conservation practise.

The wall tops are secured with a cement finish in an effort to prevent frost damage and interference causing stone collapse and resultant risk to the visitor.

09/11/2006 Paul McMahon, Senior Conservation Architect OPW, to the RTE Nine O’Clock News

The Grianan Aileach profile has been change but what was perceived as an intrinsic bulge, they say, was actually due to a problem with the major restoration in the late 1800’s by a Dr. Bernard. “They were very poorly built. The core was made of clay. So what we are actually looking at when we were looking at those bulges was another area of potential collapse.” But now he says, modern conservation methods combined with the special design using reinforced concrete has given a stable footing to the Grianan which will hope to reopen next summer.

24/05/2007 Cathy Bruton, Private Secretary, Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (Ref: REP2521/DR/07)

 I have been asked by Dick Roche T.D., Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, to refer further to your recent correspondence in relation to Grianan Aileach. Grianan Aileach is a National Monument in State care and as such, the day to day management and maintenance of this monument is a matter for the Office of Public Works (OPW). It is understood that the OPW has received a copy of your correspondence and a direct reply will issue from the OPW. 

12/07/2007 Noel Ahern, T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Finance and OPW (Ref: C/MD – 2004/575)

I refer again to your recent correspondence regarding the National Monument, Grianan Aileach at Inishowen, Co. Donegal. The reasons for concrete use in the conservation work on Grianan Aileach are follows.

In 2001 a detailed archaeological and engineering investigation was undertaken which revealed sections of the line of the disturbed ancient pre restoration structure and confirmed the shape and outline of Dr. Walter Bernards work (1874-1878). Because of the significant amenity value of Bernards restored monument, OPW considered that it would not be appropriate or feasible to dismantle and remove Bernards restored stonework and to leave the site in its pre restoration collapsed state. The engineer recommended that the bulging sections of walling which were liable to collapse should be dismantled and rebuilt to Bernards inward sloping design. Due to the instability of the underlying surviving stonework modern reinforced concrete supports were inserted at the base of the rebuilt sections and over the lintels of the internal passageways.

All external walling is constructed by OPW craftsmen to match Bernards design but with a sound central fill which would considerably improve the structures future stability.The use of modern materials in the preservation of ancient structures is standard conservation practise.

The wall tops are secured with a mortar finish in an effort to prevent interference causing stone collapse and the resultant risk to the visitor.

As stated Grianan Aileach is” in State care and as such, the day to day management and maintenance of this monument is a matter for the Office of Public Works (OPW)”. Therefore all repair work with the exception of one and since 1904 has been carried out by the OPW. Since Dr. Walter Bernard did not use in his restoration clay for the core nor a rubble/earth centre fill, these can be only later additions. Previous collapses provided an insight into the cross section of the wall and I can confirm a rubble/earth centre fill, which would by its very nature create movement and as such instability to a wall and is most likely the result of short term patch repair work.

Criticism of Dr. Bernard’s work seems to be unfounded. “It is sometimes said that we must view the present cashel with a certain amount of doubt because `it is only a reconstruction`, but a study of the description, plans and sketches in Colby’s Survey will show that Dr. Bernard’s reconstruction was remarkably accurate.” But “Various repairs to the cashel itself, unfortunately necessitated by vandalism over the years, have not always seemed to be accurate.” Mabel R. Colhoun, “The Heritage of Inishowen – Its Archaeology, History and Folklore.”

Statements made concerning the instability of the underlying surviving stonework seem also disputable, since the fort stood for at least several centuries before its so far final destruction in 1101 and its ruin remained stable and standing for over 700 years until ‘the summer invasion of visitors’ in the second part of the 19th century. And since Dr. Bernard rebuilt Grianan on its surviving remains and marked these with tar to distinguish between his reconstruction and the original structure, a line of the disturbed ancient pre restoration structure has not been caused by Dr. Bernard.

Clarification also seems to be needed concerning the OPW conclusion of Dr. Bernard’s work. If his work was unstable and collapse was reoccurring on a regular basis, than it seems logical not to match current work to his design.

The special design using reinforced concrete to considerably improve the structures future stability has produced in the last 8 years 3 collapses and 2 dismantlings of sections of the wall, compared to the 3 accounts of damage between 1939 and 1989.

No records have been so far provided, concerning the day to day management and maintenance of this monument, and I am not aware of any such work carried out at Grianan Aileach on a scheduled basis at any time to prevent further and greater damage to the fort and according to statements made by the OPW, work was carried out after damage had occurred to the monument. The ‘overnight’ collapses of the west section of the wall in 2000, 2003 and 2005 seem to confirm that and their failure to inspect this monument must be called irresponsible and negligent towards the safety of the visitors, who stand on top of this wall to admire the views.

Since the OPW is receiving payment from the State and therefore public money for the upkeep of the National monuments in its care, records should be available to the public to show how much has been spent and on what over the years on the day to day management and maintenance of this monument and the expense of the restoration work.

And there are questions over stones removed from the monument, which have become excessive and obsolete over recent years through the use of concrete. The culmination of these stones could be seen until July 2007 beside the monument and can now be found further down the hill dumped in a field, despite the Grenada Convention of 1985 which was signed by the Irish Government.

Article 5

Each Party undertakes to prohibit the removal, in whole or in part, of any protected monument, except where the material safeguarding of such monuments makes removal imperative. In these circumstances the competent authority shall take the necessary precautions for its dismantling, transfer and reinstatement at a suitable location.

The same and subsequent conventions also state:

Each Party undertakes:

• to implement appropriate supervision and authorisation procedures as required by the legal protection of the properties in question;
• to prevent the disfigurement, dilapidation or demolition of protected properties. To this end, each Party undertakes to introduce, if it has not already done so, legislation which:
• requires the submission to a competent authority of any scheme for the demolition or alteration of monuments which are already protected, or in respect of which protection proceedings have been instituted, as well as any scheme affecting their surroundings;
• requires the submission to a competent authority of any scheme affecting a group of buildings or a part thereof or a site which involves:

1. demolition of buildings,
2. the erection of new buildings,
3. substantial alterations which impair the character of the buildings or the site

In 2003, Duchas – The Irish Heritage Service, was abolished and most functions and responsibilities for the protection of historic monuments were redistributed to the OPW. But since a specialist structural engineering and archaeological survey was undertaken by OPW in 2001 and therefore before the OPW was in a position to make submissions to itself, the scheme devised, involving the dismantling of sections which have collapsed or are liable to collapse and the construction of an embedded concrete wall in this areas, should have been submitted to Duchas for approval. Such document has not been mentioned in statements.

In 2004 Irish law was changed and the role of a competent authority was given to a single minister.

“The Minister in exercising discretion under paragraph (a) of this subsection is not restricted to archaeological considerations but is entitled to consider the public interest in allowing the carrying out of works notwithstanding that such works may involve-
(i) injury to or interference with the national monument concerned,
or
(ii) the destruction in whole or in part of the national monument concerned.”

Since the minister referred to above is the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, documents concerning interference with the national monument and the destruction in whole or in part, should be in the hands of this department as well as correspondence from and with the Department of Finance and OPW referring to the work carried out at Grianan Aileach and should be made available.

The OPW’s craftsmanship and care employed at this monument have so far only produced a record of collapse and ongoing interference which by no means provided stability of the monument and ensure safe public access to the site. Because basic laws of physics and construction have been ignored, a rigorous schedule of monitoring the structural integrity and condition of the wall should be put into place.

The weather is still too cold and unpredictable to venture into the hills and visit my ’secret’ site again. Looking at the photos I took the day I stumbled over this site, I know that it will be a learning process. Like Grianan Aileach; every time it collapses or parts of its wall are replaced, I become aware of what I missed to photograph the last time. Although and so far the sheer amount of this visual intake never failed to be still rather overwhelming.

None of the councillors from the Inishowen electorate were able to gather the courtesy to send a short message and inform me, if the meeting with the OPW representative took place, despite that I sent them an email with this request and asked for the second consecutive year for financial support for a Grianan Aileach seminar with Dr. Brian Lacey as main speaker. Only Pádraig McLochlainn (SF) allocated money, as he did last year.

Speaking to a friend today, who escaped death caused by a serious illness only recently, has added even more weight and strength to my inability to give up or in. And I am very privileged to have met people throughout my life, who have been in every sense of the word a true and sincere inspiration.

Monday night was very cold and we had some snow, mainly on the hills for a few hours. Since I can’t be certain of the extent of damage done to the gate, it is difficult to predict, what will happen and when but I expect a collapse of this section or another closure of the monument for this year to carry out repairs.

It is a very bad time for build heritage in Ireland indeed. What has survived the raids of the Normans and the rage of Cromwell is now finally exterminated for short term and very bad one at that solutions to feed mainly the greed of some and satisfy, also short term, the needs of the majority to pretend progress.

Ireland seems to have become a place, where all walls are moving in simultaneously and with barely a gap left to breath. As if in one last and mighty attempt of the great greed, every possible drop has to be squeezed out of the little remaining resources, no matter what the consequences will be. The most painful aspect of this act is to watch the destruction and knowing that not only something irreplaceable has gone to the insatiable gluttony of a few but that we are also the ones, who are paying. Today, tomorrow and for a very long time to come. Meanwhile, the throat cuts are high and try and get away.And there is a wrath growing from deep down, spreading, getting heavier, clouding every single joy of life. Maybe even turning us into something we were never meant nor set out to be. Leaving us only with a choice between the sheep for slaughter and the bull, destined for the same. That sucks seriously.The foundation of the Heritage Protection Alliance Of Ireland started of with all the best intentions but was never heard of since. However something is needed as an umbrella organisation and a voice to be reckoned with. A tool combining every last single issue concerning the rape and destruction of heritage and its untimely departure on the whole of this island. After all, there are people trying in so many places and as good as they can give to hold their fort, their ground, with no backup in sight. So, why not fight them together on as many fronts we have?I understand, that combining forces here, is asking for the impossible and is a most draining and unsatisfactory task. Those in power and in charge of enriching themselves even further at our cost are united. Reiterating it more to myself then to anyone else – so should we, equalising the field.Where I am now, numb and overwhelmed by an absolute display of arrogance and utter authority, with all this anger, frustration and disenchantment, what comes with standing alone and the feeling, that it makes no difference, even if I stood up, because they are just going through me, as if I was nothing at all, at most, something uncomfortable beneath their feet but a far cry away from its sincere need and intentions, makes me asking again, in effort to go on, for everyone to come together.If we fail to do so, everything will have been in vain.

It was kindly brought to my attention. And so badly needed.

HERITAGE PROTECTION ALLIANCE Of IRELAND

CHARTER May 2007

The Heritage Protection Alliance of Ireland is being founded in May
2007 to seek the repeal of the National Monument Act of 2004. This
Act extended the powers of the Minister of the Environment, Heritage
and Local Government, to allow for the destruction of archaeological
remains. The alliance seeks a strong National Monuments Act which
would ensure that real protection is afforded to what remains of our
archaeological heritage.

The past ten years have seen an unprecedented number of sites being
subjected to unnecessary destruction. Poor identification and
research at the planning stage have cost the taxpayer millions of euro
through unnecessary excavations which could and should have been
avoided.

The alliance members include professional archaeologists, historians,
senior academics and other experts and community leaders, including
Professor Donnachadh O’ Corrain, Dr. David Edwards, Dr. Muireann Ní
Brolacháin, Dr. Padraig Lenihan, Rev. Brian Kennaway, and Senator
David Norris. Their combined professional experience and expertise
has led them to the conclusion that Irish archaeology and protection
given to heritage is in crisis. This is an issue which needs an
immediate response by any new government. The National Heritage has
been unnecessarily downgraded to facilitate development pressures and
this must be revisited.

During the past 10 years over 10,000 sites of archaeological potential
have been investigated in the Republic of Ireland under licence to the
Department of the Environment and Heritage. Approximately 70% of
these sites have tested “archaeologically positive”, a phenomenal
number by any standards. To put this number in perspective, it should
be recalled that in 1989 a mere 101 sites were excavated.

In a period of rapid change, the cultural heritage of the country has
been subjected to an unprecedented policy of what is, essentially,
rescue archaeology. Sites which should have been protected, have
been perfunctorily excavated and reduced to “preservation by record” -
so frequently that this has almost become an acceptable practice in
itself. This in many cases should be re-named “destruction by
documentation”.

Immediate reform is needed to halt this perfunctory excavation and
destruction of sites, monuments, and their curtilages – which has now
become almost a matter of routine. The current situation is totally
unacceptable.

There is now an urgent need to protect what remains.

The policy which has allowed the present situation to arise is
fundamentally flawed and unsustainable. It must be remembered
Archaeology is a finite resource, and the duty of the National
Government is to offer the utmost protection to this irreplaceable
resource.

Prior to this government’s ill-advised amendment to the National
Monuments Act in 2004, the presumption was that “destruction by
recording” was an extreme measure that should be avoided. Since the
failure of the government of the time to prevent the destruction of
Wood Quay, Ireland’s track record on the protection of our heritage
has been poor. The 2004 Act has reduced the status of archaeology to
the point where there is a development assumption, with lamentably few
worthy exceptions, and that now, excavation and recording is the norm
rather than the rarity.

The impact of the amendment has been devastating effect to local
communities, where resources which should have been used to develop
Heritage Tourism and Environmental Education have had to be diverted
into long and costly Court Cases and Bord Pleanala hearings. It is
to the credit of the community as a whole that, in so many areas,
strong and effective participation has prevented some of the worst
excesses of the current policy, and the community has been at times
supported by An Bord Pleanala in their efforts, often overruling the
local authorities’ initial grants of permission.

The 2004 amendment must be repealed for the sake of the cultural
integrity of this island. A new policy must be formulated, and this
Alliance is seeking to place this issue on the agenda as a priority
for the next government.

The Monuments & Antiquities Committee of An Taisce welcomes the
formation of an alliance of professional experts and academics, in
partnership with local communities, and has offered a support role in
the development and co-ordination of the Alliance. A spokesperson
from An Taisce said that they fully accord with the need for a new and
effective policy in the National Interest:

“Individual communities have seen the erosion of the local vernacular
sites which define their towns, villages and landscapes, without
little recognition of their local knowledge or research. A common
experience is that when local knowledge indicates that a site is
important, it has not been sufficiently acknowledged by the Department
of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, or the local
authority. This situation has served no one.

Developers have been subjected to astronomical costs in “resolving”
archaeology, which is then passed on to the public and business sector
- while communities have struggled to raise funds to hire
archaeologists, lawyers, and planners to try and do what is the
state’s responsibility – to identify and protect our heritage.

National infrastructure projects have been delayed because archaeology
becomes an issue late in the day, because basic research has not been
conducted and routes for roads which were ill advised in the first
place are at great expense and delay, eventually re-routed or built at
a price that is no longer acceptable. It is sad but true that
taxpayers are paying for the destruction of heritage they wish to see
protected, in the name of progress.”

Some sites have been totally destroyed through lack of proper planning
at initial design phase. Consultant archaeological companies are
perceived to be “developer-led”, and are believed by many communities
to have “fast tracked” excavations. Local Area Plans and re-zoning
issues have proved, in many instances, to have been developer-led, and
failed to include local history organizations reasoned submissions in
relation to heritage.

A solution, where appropriate, would be to create a levy on new
development which provides an archaeological process independent of
the developer, and prior to any planning application. A strong
independent National Monuments Advisory Body should be reinstated.
Permanent protection to the archaeological heritage and landscape must
be enshrined in new legislation. We cannot undo the destruction that
has occurred, but we can seek to end it.

Non-intrusive techniques and the historic record alone could have
protected many sites which now exist as a paper record only. The
establishment of a robust register of sites of vernacular importance
in each settlement area, to augment the power of the present Sites and
Monuments Register/County Development Plans is long overdue. It is
the landscape and history of each town and village which gives it it’s
unique identity, and it is this that has been lost in many instances.

It has been a pattern in Irish life and politics that abuse is
recognised only in retrospect. Our capacity to deal with it is
hindered by the lack of decisive intervention even after it has been
acknowledged. We are asking our future political leaders to take
responsibility and pledge commitment to a protection of our now very
damaged archaeological heritage landscape and support the thousands of
individuals who want reform.

We are looking for a government that recognises that what has happened
is disgraceful, and that takes the time to explore and cherish what is
essentially Irish.

CASE STUDIES

The Heritage Protection Alliance of Ireland has identified the
following sites as case studies where the policy as defined by the
Planning Acts has been inadequate and in need of further protection.
The various organizations who have identified and defended these
sites, and their professional experts are committed to a reform of the
planning acts to provide an integrated policy for the protection of
the archaeological heritage and landscape of Ireland.

Alliance membership includes professional archaeologists, architects,
academics and local community groups who are or have been instrumental
in protecting or attempting to protect the following sites:

TEMPLE SITE, TARA-SKRYNE VALLEY, CO. MEATH

The discovery of a sacred Temple site at Tara (of the High Kings) is
one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in these
islands in the 21st Century. The public was not informed for a month
after its finding, and no attempt has been made to involve the
international archaeological community in this extraordinary
development. The circular enclosure has a remarkable diameter of 80
metres.

A wooden post circle is reminiscent of discoveries at Emain Macha
(seat of the ancient Kings of Ulster) and Dun Ailinne (seat of the
ancient Kings of Leinster); a National Monument without question, and
one totally deserving of preservation. This site should have been
identified prior to any road plans being drawn up. It is
incomprehensible, given the technologies available, that it was not.
An appeal by An Taisce awaits hearing in the Supreme Court.

VIKING LONGPHORT SITE, WOODSTOWN, CO WATERFORD

A Viking longphort site – in essence the site of early Waterford city.
National Monument belatedly declared. Intrusive archaeological
testing led to the destruction of large parts of the site, and
contrary to all best practice, Viking objects were found and removed
from soil dump. The alarm was raised only when young archaeologists
expressed concern. The opportunity to place this site in the
research corpus of international Viking sites was lost.

KILSALLAGHAN HISTORIC LANDSCAPE, CO. DUBLIN

Complex of sub-surface monuments at the heart of a largely intact
prehistoric into medieval landscape. Proposed super-prison, (the
largest in Europe), combined with the Central Mental Hospital.
Decision to buy land based on “incomplete, inaccurate, and misleading
information”. Lack of proper impact study undertaken prior to the
purchase of the site. Local residents ignored and deemed not worthy of
consultation by the relevant Minister. This coupled with new
legislation, designed to allow the government to build no matter what
the retrospective Environmental Impact Assessment uncovers. High Court
proceedings have been re-initiated.

BATTLE OF THE BOYNE SITE, CO. LOUTH/ MEATH

A site, which under international heritage conventions, would have
been preserved intact. However at present there is a proposal to build
a so-called “eco-friendly” hotel immediately adjacent to the place of
King William’s wounding during the battle! A “strongly worded” letter
sent by the OPW to Co. Louth planners (Febuary 2006); How about
outright refusal? An Taisce has filed an objection.

TRIM CASTLE, CO. MEATH

A proposal to build a hotel immediately across the narrow street from
the perimeter wall of Ireland’s most impressive castle. Despite the
views of Department of Environment archaeologists, and other concerned
professionals to reject the proposal, the experts were over-ruled and
the hotel was built by consent of the Minister for the Environment of
the day.

ROUND TOWER, CLONDALKIN, CO. DUBLIN

Proposal to build a bar/restaurant immediately adjacent to the Early
Christian Round Tower! Resisted successfully thanks to the efforts of
the local residents and the cross-party co-operation of the elected
representatives(2005).

AUGHRIM BATTLEFIELD SITE, CO. GALWAY
Major battlefield in the 1690s Williamite/ Jacobite war, t he Aughrim
battle site is under threat from the proposed motorway which cuts
through the left flank of the Irish position to the north of Aughrim
village. The integrity of the rest of the site and especially the
Jacobite lines on Aughrim Hill has been and is being degraded by house
building. Galway County Council refuses to recognise the need for any
controls over building in the core of the battle site. The contract to
build the road was agreed last month (April 2007).

HILLFORT AT RAHALLY, CO. GALWAY

A trivallate hillfort of exceptionally rare form. Diameter of 400
metres. Omitted from Environmental Impact Assessment. Topsoil within
perimeter mechanically removed, which is contrary to best practice;
hardly any topsoil finds! This is part of the route for the proposed
M6.

BLACK PIG’S DYKE, CO. CAVAN & ULSTER

An ancient defensive barrier believed to have once stretched from
Armagh to Donegal, dating from around 100 BC and, according to
Professor Donnachadh O’ Corrain of UCC, is “monumental evidence to the
type of accounts given in the Tain Bo Cuilleanna,” – the ancient myths
which feature Cucullen and the saga of the Brown Bull of Cooley.
Last year Cavan County Council considered an application by a quarry
company to expand their operation at an area in which the last
surviving section of the dyke in Cavan is sited. The company has
already destroyed a 220 metre section of the dyke since they began
quarrying there in the mid-1970’s; the only arrest on this
environmental brutalism has been through the efforts of local
voluntary heritage interests.

PREHISTORIC-MEDIEVAL LANDSCAPE, RATHDOWN, CO. WICKLOW.

This landscape includes Rathdown Castle and St. Crispin’s Cell;
continuous settlement from prehistoric times, with a complex
multi-period series of sites and remains. One of the few landfall
sites remaining in the country intact, on the slopes of Bray Head, and
one of the most important deserted Medieval sites in Ireland.
Located in the Barony of Rathdown, home of the MacGillaMcolmogs and
other Leinster Chieftains, its landscape has survived almost intact on
the costal strip. Gave its name to present administrative area of Dun
Laoghaire-Rathdown.

The protection of the Rathdown site has been ongoing over the past 17
years, involving the local community in numerous planning appeals.
Most of the site has been preserved, but some unnecessary loss
occurred, after trial trenching failed to identify significant
prehistoric settlement (Beaker period) and an Early Christian
corn-drying kiln.

The present proposals for a Marina and c.350 apartments now with An
Bord Pleanala, has confirmed substantial archaeology on the ‘Castle
Bawn’ field to the south of the present 24 acre National Monument.
The developers propose to use almost all of the field for a merely
temporary industrial facility to facilitate the works. The original
planning application by Wicklow Co. Council disregarded the wealth of
information about the site already on their files, and objections on
heritage grounds were ignored. The destruction of national heritage
to serve temporary works is incomprehensible.

CARRICKMINES CASTLE & MEDIEVAL SETTLEMENT, CO. DUBLIN

Unique revetted fosse with a well-documented history. Declared a
National Monument only after Court action. Destruction directed by
the Minister for the Environment after the National Monuments Act had
been downgraded in 2004. All future major discoveries are accordingly
put in jeopardy. The unanswered question posed by Judge Flood in the
Tribunal – “who decided to move the site of the interchange onto the
known castle site?” Answer by the relevant authorities was “can’t
remember”; an answer described by Judge Flood as “unimpressive”. It
is believed this junction, the 4th in a 9 kilometre stretch of the
M50, was designed, and specifically the roundabout, to facilitate the
opening up of the rezoned lands that belonged to Jackson Way.

CARRIGAPHOOCA CASTLE, MACROOM, CO. CORK

Carrigaphooca Castle; until now one of Irelands best kept Hiberno
Norman Tower-houses, sited in an outstanding setting. This demesne
is listed in the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage category
on historic gardens and designed landscapes. It was from this castle
that Justin MacCarthy, Lord of Muskerry and Carrigaphooca, led the
first Irish brigade to France. WB Yeats included a story from the
castle in his collection of Irish Faerie Tales.

The current plan for Carrigaphooca Castle, manor house, and nearby
pre-historic stone circle, is to slice through this demesne by placing
a four-lane highway and two flyovers less than 200 metres from the
castle door – thus obliterating the entire setting of the castle, the
remnants of its bawn, and manor house. An outrageous proposal that
should never have been considered in the first place.

The Alliance is concerned at the dilapidation and possible destruction
of a number of heritage buildings, their settings, and historic and
architectural potential:

16 MOORE STREET, DUBLIN CITY

The location of the last documented headquarters of the 1916
Provisional Government. Twice scheduled in the City Development Plan
for protection – and yet the roof was being let collapse in on what is
now a derelict building. As with Clondalkin, the only reason the
building is being saved is through the voluntary efforts of community
response- and as such there are yet uncertainties as to the ultimate
fate of the building in question, with the designation of it being a
National Monument under challenge.

12 DORSET STREET, DUBLIN CITY

The remainder of the birthplace of the playwright Richard Brinsley
Sheridan, who authored “The School for Scandal”, amongst other works.
In the last few months Dublin City Council has granted permission -
currently being appealed – to demolish and replace this supposedly
“protected structure” with a block of flats.

1 MOUNTJOY SQUARE, DUBLIN CITY

A house of significant cultural importance. Left neglected and
empty with deadbolts on the front door, this house had been in the
charitable hands of a religious institution until it was sold a decade
ago. Subsequently sub-divided and let out in multiple occupancies, a
fire occurred at the house last Christmas (December 2006). This was
a location of Dail Eireann which met here during 1919 and 1920 when
owned by Alderman Walter Coles, who also let Michael Collins use of
the address as a safe house during The War of Independence.
Previously it had been the residence of Home Rule MP T.M. Healy, and
prior to that had been residence to Archbishop Hawksley.

GREYSTONES HARBOUR, CO. WICKLOW

The department of the Environment has conceded the destruction of the
19th Century South Pier in Greystones harbour, and acceded to
proposals which will open up development possibilities on every soft
shoreline in the country. Wicklow Co. Council has refused – despite
strong local objections to re-zoning and planning – to accord
Architectural Conservation Area status to the harbour area, one of the
finest Victorian landscapes on the East coast, which includes 14
protected buildings whose setting will be irretrievably damaged by the
Marina Proposals.

CONCLUSION

In every corner of this island, there are concerned citizens involved
in protecting what is essentially our collective identity. The
Heritage Protection Alliance of Ireland seeks to provide a platform
and a forum in defence of the history, cultures, and integrity of the
island.
In the context of a general election in the Republic it is of great
interest and concern to a sizeable proportion of its citizens to know
just where exactly the respective political parties stand in relation
to heritage and more importantly its protection.

It is the intention of the Heritage Protection Alliance to seek formal
meetings with the relevant spokespersons of the respective parties.
The individual reactions/ pronouncements of the parties shall then be
made public.

There has been a consistent pattern to date, which is no longer
acceptable. The scale, losses and destruction of our built and rural
heritage has reached a point where it is vital that a new policy is
devised which protects the fragile remains of our settlements and
architectural and archaeological landscapes.

The pattern is one of systematic destruction of the physical
manifestations of our collective history and cultures on the island of
Ireland. In the cause of citizenship and democracy, it is time to
re-instate the onus back upon the taxpayer-funded state bodies to
protect the physical heirlooms of our unique and shared cultures.

CO-ORDINATORS:

Dr. Mark Clinton.
Email:norahbk@eircom.net

Ruadhán Mac Eoin
Email: ruadhan.maceoin@gmail.com

Dr. Chris Smal,
64 The Grove, Rathdown,
Greystones, Co. Wicklow, Ireland
Email: smalc@rathdown.com