An ill wind blows over an old hill

[Imperial Dave]

https://www.irishecho.com/2021/01/an-ill-wind-blows-over-an-old-hill/

not good at all....

[Mick Hession]

Thanks - I hadn't spotted that.

Cheers
Mick

[Imperial Dave]

thought you might be especially interested in that one Mick

[Mick Hession]

It's in my constituency so maybe one of our local TDs (MPs) might raise it, though one is minister for health so kind of busy right now: I'll flag it with them.

cheers
Mick

[Imperial Dave]

good man!

[RichT]

Needless to say the newspaper opinion piece - "All this is under threat from a wind farm on top of Kilranelagh. Hundreds of tons of concrete will pour into the un-excavated hilltop" - is not, strictly speaking, true.

https://www.abo-wind.com/en/the-company/international/ireland/kilranelagh-wind-farm.html

They are going through all the usual and required assessments.

Whether the impact on the wider landscape is justified is another question of course.

[Mick Hession]

The original piece did read as a bit apocalyptic but the planning authorities here do have form when it comes to concreting over ancient sites. No harm in at least making sure they don't cut corners.

cheers
Mick

[RichT]

Agreed.

[DougM]

The original piece did read as a bit apocalyptic but the planning authorities here do have form when it comes to concreting over ancient sites. No harm in at least making sure they don't cut corners.

cheers
Mick

If it's any consolation Mick, the situation isn't much better in the UK or Oz. As we must all do our bit for some abstract called 'the economy' we can approve coal mines in Cumbria, tunnels at Stonehenge, allow the destruction of 75,000 year old sacred sites, run housing estates across iconic battlefields and realign roads through history.

Having sat on one national housing development board, (observer only), the level of capture of politicians and public servants, desperate for jobs and investment from developers, is appalling.

The extent to which we are now (in the anglosphere at least) all captives of those who know the price of everything and the value of nothing, is quite depressing at times.

[Imperial Dave]

Having sat on one national housing development board, (observer only), the level of capture of politicians and public servants, desperate for jobs and investment from developers, is appalling.

100% agree. Not only historical sites at risk but also generally building houses where infrastructure is limited and local services face being overwhelmed

my 'village' was 1000 strong when I moved there in the 90's. It is now 7000 and there are new developments ongoing which will put the population at 10000 by 2022. All driven by the 'need' for meeting housing quotas and the pretext for future investment. Its all greenfield development....quite depressing

[Nick Harbud]

Despoilation of ancient sites is not limited to the Anglosphere.  The attached photo is of someone's house located near the Roman Villa of Casale in Sicily and, believe me, he did not get his columns from the local DIY store.   

[Imperial Dave]

good grief....

[Mick Hession]

In this case the economic argument would seem to be on history's side. The county markets itself to tourists as part of "Ireland's Ancient East" which in practice means bus loads of tourists (remember them?) descending on Glendalough, ignoring the west of the county, where the complex is. A wind farm might generate some short term local jobs in construction but if the site were properly publicised and presented that would generate a longer term income for the area.

Cheers
Mick

[Imperial Dave]

In this case the economic argument would seem to be on history's side. The county markets itself to tourists as part of "Ireland's Ancient East" which in practice means bus loads of tourists (remember them?) descending on Glendalough, ignoring the west of the county, where the complex is. A wind farm might generate some short term local jobs in construction but if the site were properly publicised and presented that would generate a longer term income for the area.

Cheers
Mick

agreed. There are missed opportunities everywhere for improved interest and income for historical sites all over