Motorway Protest: Carrickmines Castle Occupied

national | miscellaneous | news report Saturday August 31, 2002 11:50 by J. Walshe - Save Carrickmines Castle save at carrickminescastle dot org

Activists occupy archaeological site

In the early hours of Saturday morning activists occupied the archaeological site of Carrickmines Castle in a non-violent direction that could rival the Glen of the Downs protest. The excavation of the site, which is still incomplete, was wound up on Friday evening to make way for its destruction for the completion of the M50 motorway.

CARRICKMINES CASTLE OCCUPIED TO DEFEND ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE

In the early hours of Saturday morning activists occupied the archaeological site of Carrickmines Castle in a non-violent direction that could rival the Glen of the Downs protest. The excavation of the site, which is still incomplete, was wound up on Friday evening to make way for its destruction for the completion of the M50 motorway. The campaigners are calling for a realignment of the motorway to preserve the medieval site.

The occupation is a non-violent spontaneous civil protest.

Cian O'Callaghan, media spokesperson said: "575 million euro is been spent on the South Eastern Motorway which is the final part of the M50 C-Ring Motorway around Dublin. It is outrageous that such a large amount of money is been spent without preserving the archaeological site at Carrickmines Castle. The excavations, which ended on Friday, are still vastly incomplete. If the road goes ahead without realignment we will never know what historical artefacts have been lost. Carrickmines Castle has a unique history and heritage value. It was a Norman Castle that played a central role in the defence of the Pale. This role was vital during the nine years war in the 16th century. The castle was destroyed in 1642 when Irish Confederate rebels were besieged and massacred by the English at Carrickmines.

"We are not opposed to the construction of this motorway but we are opposed to the unnecessary destruction of our heritage and culture. A simple realignment of the road and a scaling down of a proposed access roundabout will preserve much of the archaeological site. If the Motorway goes ahead as planned a precedent will be set for the destruction of heritage sites accross the country.

Ends:
For Further Information Contact:
Cian O'Callaghan
Media Spokesperson
086 286 6631

Carrickmines - For the future of the preservation of our past

GUIDELINES FOR VISITORS

The archaeological site of Carrickmines Castle has been occupied to defend the site against destruction by the National Roads Authority. Below are a number of guidelines that we wish visitors to observe. The guidelines have been drawn up to ensure that the archaeological site is preserved without damage of any kind. If you are not willing to follow these guidelines we ask you to stay away from the Carrickmines Castle site.

1. The entire domain and surroundings of Carrickmines Castle is a strictly drug and alcohol free zone.

2. The site of the archaeological excavations is strictly out of bounds. Walking around these excavations can lead to serious damage of the work that has been carried out over the last 24 months.

3. Any litter brought to the site should be taken away.

4. Respect the local residents. Don't park vehicles that obstruct roads or driveways.

5. Keep noise to a minimum particularly late at night. The local residents have lived here all their lives and should not be disturbed by our presence.

6. This is a non-violent protest. Peaceful action is been used to occupy this site. If you cannot behave in an entirely peaceful and non-aggressive manner we ask you to stay away from this site.

Thank you for your co-operation