Meath MASTER Plan - A viable alternative to the M3 at TARA (www.meathmasterplan.com)
The MASTER (Model Archaeological and Sustainable Economic Region) Plan is an advanced development plan that solves the current legal, environmental and heritage issues around the controversial M3 motorway, and also provides a wider model for sustainable economic, heritage and tourism development in Meath.
A key goal of the Plan is to enable Meath people to work in their locality, reduce their dependence on long-distance commuting to Dublin, and consequently allow them to spend more time with their families and within their community.
A second goal is to reduce Meath's CO2 emissions and its reliance on oil use for transport and energy, and to regenerate the local economy and communities of the region. Reduced oil use would lead to much lower costs in the future for both families and businesses in Meath. The promoters of the Plan stress this should be a national priority at a time when the oil price is close to $120 per barrel and has increased by over 500% since 2002.
The MASTER Plan objectives would be achieved via the establishment of a community transport network to include a toll-free 2+1 road, and rail and coach services that facilitate easy travel throughout Meath, together with the creation of a UNESCO Meath World Heritage Park to generate tourism revenue, preserve the unique value of Meath's heritage sites and demonstrate the importance of sustainable living.
The Plan avoids re-routing the M3 as it uses much of the current road scheme "footprint" and switches to the existing N3 in the sensitive Tara-Skryne Valley area whilst still providing bypasses of Dunshaughlin and Navan. Land within the Tara-Skryne Valley purchased for the M3 would be held in state ownership and designated for heritage interpretation and protection.
The modified road scheme would also save significant costs for commuters and businesses as it would be toll-free, since the reduced cost of the 2+1 road format allows for buy-out of the PPP contract.
The Plan additionally implements the long-sought rail link to Navan and Kells, and provides for new coach services, creating a cost-effective, sustainable and reliable community transport network that would break dependency on long-distance commuting, encourage local job creation and dramatically improve quality of life for those living in the region.
The coach and rail alternatives would help reduce traffic volumes on the modified M3 by up to two-thirds, and the capital costs involved are approx. € 300 million less than current Government proposals.
The parallel designation of the region as a UNESCO World Heritage site would result in the preservation, protection and sustainable management of the archaeology in the Tara-Skryne Valley and surrounding areas. The extent of the World Heritage site would encompass the five major centres of Navan, Kells, Trim, Dunshaughlin and Slane, bringing a major tourist and economic dividend for the region with a potential increase of €75 million in tourism revenue per annum.
Co-authors of the Meath MASTER Plan, environmental campaigner Tadhg Crowley and transport researcher Brian Guckian, stated: "The Meath MASTER Plan is a huge opportunity to be grasped, with very significant economic, environmental, social and cultural benefits. It is something that everyone can have ownership of, and our message is that there is a solution, and that it can be implemented right now".
The proposal is currently with government and has received strong backing from the public and from across the political spectrum.
Guest speakers at the march will outline what the Plan means to them and the event will be a positive and constructive chance to engage with the issues involved, according to the organisers.
Tara Fund raising Album 'The Mighty Gather in' Released
'The Mighty Gather in', a double-cd fund raising album in support
of those campaigning to protect and defend Ireland's premier National
Monument, the Tara Valley complex, from the proposed route of the M3
motorway in Co.Meath. Profits made from the sale of the album will
fund a nationwide campaign to highlight this travesty currently being
perpetrated ..in the name of progress', and combat and clarify the
confusion and disinformation which has been a feature of the debate
to date. The album includes the song 'Taras Eye: (Money Mad Mile)'
sung by Liam O Maonlai and written by Steve Cooney as well as
contributions from Kila, Mercury Music Prize nominee Lou Rhodes,
renowned harpist Laoise Kelly, Martha Tilston, Seize the Day, Carrie
Tree, Kan'Nal, Nigel Mazlyn Jones, Pink Punk, Dragonsfly, Jamie Woon,
Alan O'Rourke, Skylark and many others. The album consists of 45
songs in total, 28 on two cds plus another bonus seventeen track mp3
selection accessible when you play the album on a PC or laptop.
Included with every album is an information leaflet with
contributions from Nobel Laureate Seamus Heaney, actor Stuart
Townsend and environmentalist and television presenter Duncan
Stewart. The M3 motorway controversy is more than just a heritage
issue. It is about how we as an island respond to the challenges and
dangers posed by unsustainable development, carbon emissions and
global warming caused by the underfunding of public transport and
over reliance on the motor car. A pervasive theme throughout the
songs on the album is that as a society we are living out of balance,
imprisoned within economic models and modes of living that disconnect
us from nature and put profit at the expense of environmental
concerns and the democratic will of the people. Such themes are
being played out in early 21st century Ireland as the government
plans to toll commuters thousands each year to use the M3 and
continues to ignore the 75% of Irish people surveyed by Red C Market
Research who want the motorway to stay clear of Tara. In this light,
the album aims to raise awareness about a viable solution to the M3
debacle that guarantees both heritage protection and sustainable
transport infrastructure creation. Included in the leaflet is
information on what is known as the Meath MASTER(Model Archaeological
and Sustainable Economic Region) plan. The plan, created by
transport expert Brain Guckian and environmentalist Tadgh Crowley,
envisions land bought by the state for the motorway in the valley
being used instead to create a Tara Heritage Park. Consisting of
heritage and nature walks this public amenity will bring an estimated
400,000 more visitors a year to Tara, generating upwards of 75
million Euro's per annum in revenue to Meath. The plan also calls
for the re-opening of the Navan railway line, expanded bus services,
an upgrade of the N3 in the Tara Valley to a three lane road(known as
a 2+1 road system) and the modification of the existing motorway
route outside the valley to the cheaper and safer 2+1 road system.
The new road would be toll-free as the modifications to the motorway
would save very significantly on capital costs, which would then be
used to buy out the toll contract. Significantly the provision of
coach and rail services will cut C02 emissions and traffic volumes by
at least one third, with up to two thirds reductions possible. The
plan including road and rail construction and buy-out of the toll
contract comes to an estimated 1.2 billion Euro, cheaper than the
estimated 1.5 billion Euro construction cost of the M3. No re-
routing of the M3 will be required nor new planning process,
protecting future generations from climate change and loss of their
history and heritage. ' The Mighty Gather in' is a rallying call for
the Irish people to work together to protect Tara in her hour of
need. Included with the album is a list of 10 things you can do to
protect Tara and details of how to sign up for the mailing list tara-
action@goolegroups.com where people can keep updated on the issue,
share ideas and work together to protect our heritage, history and
environment.
www.myspace.com/taracompilationcd
Sinéad O'Connor 'Jeremiah (Something Beautiful)'
FÁILTE. . . I am a traditional Irish Harper from Westport, Co. Mayo. Since my journey began with my harp (many moons ago) I have met many amazing musicians and serious characters and played some interesting music. I've been involved in more than 50 recordings with artists like Kathleen MacInnes, Eimear Quinn, Steve Cooney, Sinéad O'Connor, Tríona, Maighread and Mícheál Ó Domhnaill, Pádraigín Ní Uallacháin, The Chieftains, Mary Black, Donal Lunny, Kate Bush, Matt Molloy, Sharon Shannon, Tim O'Brien, Cherish the Ladies, Máírtín O'Connor. I recorded 2 albums and toured extensively with traditional group 'Bumblebees' and have a solo album 'Just Harp'.
I grew up in a musical household and went to fleadhs, harp competitions and festivals. One of the most memorable was the Belfast Bicentennial Harp festival in 1992 and being presented the Waterford Crystal harp by Mr. Derek (ding-dong) Bell RIP.
I have performed for President Mary Robinson and President Mary McAleese and for the 25 Heads of State of the EU at a special concert, I've also played at the last winter solstice of the Millennium at Newgrange; at Parliament buildings, Stormont, for the Northern Ireland Assembly Christmas celebrations, and am honoured to have performed along with Poet Laureate Seamus Heaney on the ancient hill of Tara, to raise awareness of the current destruction of the Tara landscape.
Enjoy the music!
*********************REVIEWS********************
“Laoise Kelly is a young harpist with the disposition of an iconoclast and the talent and technique of a virtuoso.” Irish Times (Nuala O’Connor)
"An exuberant and innovative talent which catches the spirit of the modern Irish music movement in a way that few harpers have done to date." Irish Music Magazine
"She is probably the most important harper currently playing and this album [Just Harp] only enhances her reputation." Acousticmusic.com
“Laoise Kelly subverts all cliched images of Irish colleens with harps by playing driving instrumental music” Cara Magazine
“She turned the often sedate harp into an instrument alive with the mirth and gaiety of dance music. It serves as synth, bass and virtuoso solo instrument in her sure and confident hands. She ably changes tunings, syncopates, harmonises and above all plays a stunning melody line, all in the same breath, or sweep of the arm.” Irish Music Magazine
“Kelly virtually reinvents the instrument with her rhythmic and melodic intricacy, her syncopation and undulating chords and harmonies . . . she'll have you swaying in your bath-chair with her profound musicality.” Irish Times (Mic Moroney)
“Beautiful harp playing from one of the few young exponents of the instrument to make a name for herself in recent years on the Irish scene. She brings to the instrument a confidence, maturity, clarity and joyfulness that is both refreshing and modern using innovation and ornamentation to good effect. Many styles and influences are demonstrated on this enchanting album. Listen and let the stresses of modern life roll away on the waves of this album.” worldmusic.org.uk
“The harp has for long been a powerful icon of Irishness. When the United Irishmen set out in the eighteenth century to ‘break the connection with England‚ the symbol of their political philosophy was the harp and they proudly proclaimed that it is new strung and shall be heard.
Before the recent advent of the curious and dyslexic figure seven, Guinness and the harp were inextricably linked and we all know too well the harp on the brown envelope, which can be the voice of doom from the revenue.
Curiouser and curiouser then, as Alice would say, that the harp has not played as full a part as it might in the resurgence of Irish music that has grown like a mighty wave since the sixties. Did its connection with the old Irish aristocracy mean that it did not translate easily to these democratic modern times? Whatever the reason or reasons this CD from Laoise Kelly may be a small but significant step towards changing all that.
Eleven tracks show an exuberant and innovative talent which catches the spirit of the modern Irish music movement in a way that few harpers have done to date.
There is a flexibility of rhythm and phrasing in her playing that is light and bright and gives her the scope to explore the music in a way that is fresh and twinkling and shows the harp off in a completely new light. Tracks that stand out . . . and a most magnificent rendering of Carolan’s Farewell To Music.
This is a wonderful sample of the formidable talent of Laoise Kelly who has much to offer now and to the development of Irish music in the future.” Irish Music Magazine
If you enjoy sweeping, ethereal glissando effects and a dainty plinky-plonky sound, this album is really not for you. There is such body and depth in Laoise Kelly's playing that at times you feel there must be more than one musician playing on this solo album, as her strong melody lines are accompanied by intricate chordal accompaniment and powerful bass runs. Kelly has mastered her instrument completely.
Another exceptional element on this recording is her sense of arrangement. She digs down into the very roots of the tunes, adapts them for her instrument and presents them in a traditional setting. By drawing on the emotion and character of the melodies, Laoise's harp takes its place alongside fiddle, accordion and flute in the echelons of traditional Irish melody instruments, sounding perfectly in place.
President Garfield's Set, which opens the album, sets the mood: a dancing collection of three tunes played as reels, in which you could almost imagine Laoise as some kind of octopus - so many things appear to be happening at once. The album then leads into a waltz medley of two tunes, one classical, the second by Daithi Sproule, which literally flow around the room. Other material comes from the repertoire of pipers, fiddlers, from Canada and Ireland, and from the pen of Bill Whelan, as well as one of her own tunes along with, almost inevitably, a couple associated with Turloch O'Carolan.
The prospect of a 41-minute album of one instrument might not seem appealing to everyone, but Laoise's playing is involving and inviting, the choice of material generally spot on and the production warm and clear.
Laoise Kelly has made her mark playing on a number of recordings over the last few years, as well as with her band, the Bumblebees. She is probably the most important harper currently playing and this album only enhances her reputation. By taking a 'whole harp' approach to her music, she has produced a highly enjoyable album.” Jamie O'Brien
“Triplets made in Heaven”, Derek Bell of The Chieftains once remarked on hearing Laoise Kelly, not, of course, suggesting that Laoise had a couple of sisterly look-alikes, but simply describing the quality of her playing. . . Laoise has redefined the harp's potential, moving it a step nearer its reinstatement as a traditional instrument. Through sheer talent and technical brillance she has transformed it into a conduit for her remarkable interpretations of her dance music. Just Harp, simply oozes flair and gaiety with sparkling melodic lines, resonant chords and a subtle use of the bass strings to create harmonic richness while maintaining an almost unstoppable rhythm. All of this is encapsulated in her extraordinary playing of the jigs “The Yellow Wattle/Trip to London/Trip to Brittany” where she plays a walking, syncopated bass line that some jazzers would die for.
Just Harp - Stylish and stunning music from a truly original musician.
The Rough Guide to Irish Music (Geoff Wallis and Sue Wilson)
Just Harp is an album which should not be consumed all in one go. Instead the listener should dip in occasionally and sample the sheer brilliance in small doses. In this way one’s life will be prolonged and humanity will edge closer to solving the great mysteries of life.”
Tony Reidy
“Laoise Kelly, from Co.Mayo, employs no guest musicians at all. As the album title tells us, it is Just Harp…or, more accurately, it’s just the most exquisite harp imaginable.
What characterises her approach, in particular, is her incredibly inventive left hand, which she uses to create wonderfully rhythmic and totally un-harp-like walking bass lines.
Don’t Just Harp. Just get it! New talent like this is a rare commidity.”
Taplas (Keith Hudson)
Hawaya ? Great you are around in Sept. We shall arrive on sunday 6th I guess and stay in the area for 2 weeks, leaving on the 18th for Dublin. Keep the ice cubes ready, we bring the Ricard
will you be playing in any sessions? maybe I ll go tomorrow... but Barry is building a hut for me and we re going to put the roof on it soon :o) You ll have to see it when you re in Kerry! hope your fine... enjoy the heatwave ;O) or is i it only in Kerry that the weather is rather mixed?...
Laoise, just dropping in to say hello I hope that all is well, say hello to Steve for us.
I see that the Tara Site is still an issue over there, we also have a storm brewing up here in the Kimberley with the proposed Gas hub and onshore refinery development?
I have posted some links on my blog to help inform people about the situation.
besides all of this, the we are all well and happy.
Hi Laoise, Thanks again for coming to our festival and sharing your wonderful music with us. I'm still trying to duplicate your triplets... :-) Best wishes, Ralf
Hi Loise Yes you are my friend now....;; I'm very happy knowyou!!!!you are good spirit and you are very great harpist and musician!!!! Mybe i go in Paraguay festival...I'am not sure!!! but its possible(excuse my bad english!!!) Thanks !!!you are cool!!!
anytime! :) ohmygod, I miss you (and the others, of course) ;) work is TERRIBLY boring!!! thanks again for writing down the notes, they're really helpful.
Hi Laoise, less than 2 weeks until the Harfentreffen :) can't wait! I'm going to take your class and am reeeeeally excited. Looking forward to meeting you, so long take care,
What about what are you doing in september when nothing important is going on apart what about I would be proposing you if you would be available in case nothing would disturb you ? I mean if there is nothing going on of course unless you would not agree or like, I could say that it would be great that you would agree on what i shall be proposing at the same time to Mirella and the Kane sisters. What do you think about my proposal ? It would be more like the end of sept. Great isn't it ??
I'm an EEJIT!! It's not Castlebar on the 20th it's Ennis and Co Laoise on the 21st. Are these anywhere near you? Be nice to hook up on your home terriroty. AXX
prefer to be asked about the envioenment and not food likes and hates!!! Hope ye'r well...just leaving Auckland on me epic journey home....Swollen legs get ready!!!
Aw! Happy Birthday Laoise! Hope you had a lovely time. I'm not too bad thanks x been takin advantage of the sun this weekend and visitin a few abbeys and woods - bliss! x Love and best wishes, Tonyo xxx
Hey Laoise, happy easter and all that! Hope you're keeping fine and happy in life. Watched A River of Sound again yesterday, it gets better each time I see it!! Best wishes, Tony xxx
Heya there! Tim's no doubt manically busy just now. A damn pest with internet connections being slow eh! T'will Hopefully work soon for ya! xxx best wishes,
Hi Loise, Well, if you don't mind long journeys, come here and we could do some gigs in Santiago and Argentina as well. In February Andy Irvine stayed in my place, and did a couple of Gigs in Chile, and several in Argentina, so why not? A tech question, how do you amplify your harp? I play a small one, 26 nylon strings Queen Mary II, and it's really difficult to get a good sound, withou the feedback problem ( I sometimes put the mic back in the box, but the sound it's not good, too much attack).
