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THE NATIONAL MONUMENTS Service as well as a member of the Heritage Council have expressed worry that Ireland’s historic monuments are being increasingly targeted by vandalism and attacks.
Pat Reid, who works at the Glendalough Heritage Forum, told The Journal that he was shocked to discover damage to an ancient granite stone last week.
“There’s certainly been an escalation in damage to Glendalough and other important sites in recent years, during Covid but certainly post-Covid,” he said.
“People are visiting sites closer to home, which is great but they’re not always respecting the site. It’s a pity to see this change in attitude towards national monuments and heritage sites.”
The ancient stone in Glendalough with a hollow depression at its centre is known as the Deerstone due to a story linking it to St Kevin and deer.
Reid discovered last week that a fire had been lit on the Deerstone, leaving it with significant cracks which he believes will grow worse in winter time when ice in the damaged stone’s crevices expands.
Reid said he wants to assume that whoever lit the fire did so without realising the damage the high heat would cause and didn’t act out of malice.
“There’s no signage directly next to the stone, but it would be impossible for someone to not know it had some significance. Legend has it St Kevin had a doe leave milk in the hollow in the stone so that a baby whose mother had passed away wouldn’t go hungry.”
“Even if you thought it was a regular stone and didn’t know it was linked to a saint, you shouldn’t be lighting a barbeque in a monastic complex,” he said.
Reid believes that it’s more likely that an accelerant such as petrol could have been poured on the stone to start a fire, rather than a naively constructed barbeque, because there was no ash left at the site afterwards.
Glendalough is a national treasure, a place of tranquility, history and heritage. People visit from around the world to admire the natural beauty & learn of the history and the heritage. The vandalism to the Deer Stone is disgraceful pic.twitter.com/5XZE1sEjsB
— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) August 10, 2023
Many other sites around Ireland have also been targeted, including perhaps the country’s most famous stone: the Lia Fáil, or Stone of Destiny at the Hill of Tara, which had the word ‘fake’ spray-painted on it in February.
The stone, which is over 5,500 years old and was used to crown High Kings of Ireland, was painstakingly cleaned with warm water and steam so as not to erode or damage it while removing the paint.
Other historic sites such as St Mary’s Collegiate Church in Gowran, Co Kilkenny have had pieces of stone broken off them, with the 13th-century church being attacked twice last year.
“It’s shocking the disregard some people have for our national heritage. People who just don’t feel attached to it,” Reid added.
A spokesperson for the National Monuments Service said “reports of vandalism and intentional damage to archaeological monuments” have been rising in recent years.
Illegal metal detecting, damage to stone structures and instances of graffiti are increasing, the statement said, while “the lighting of illegal fires at monuments is also of grave concern, with an added risk of course of fires burning out of control and damaging areas of natural heritage also”.
Minister of State for Heritage Malcolm Noonan told The Journal that the National Monuments Service has “sought to modernise and consolidate the legislation that protects our monuments”.
The Historic and Archaeological Heritage and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2023 (the Bill) is “expected to be enacted in coming months”, he said.
The legislation will include penalties of up to 5 years imprisonment and a €10,000,000 fine and a new fixed payment notice regime to allow authorised officers to issue on-the-spot fines.
“While there are existing legal consequences for causing damage to the State’s heritage, the new Bill will bring added clarity and robustness to this process. The lighting of fire, as occurred last week at Glendalough, is among a range of offences created under that Bill,” Noonan stated.
“Educating people is very effective in discouraging them from inflicting intentional damage at heritage sites, but also in creating greater awareness about the unintentional damage that visitors to heritage sites can cause,” he added.
Reid was also of the belief that encouraging people to learn about Ireland’s history was the best way to prevent vandalism.
“I don’t think carving off sites behind fences or putting up CCTV is the way to stop this. Adequate signage and the opportunity to learn about what you’re visiting is key,” he said.
“The only way we will stop this is by educating people who are in the demographic who are likely to do this: probably younger people who like camping and the outdoors.”
“You don’t realise the importance of these places when you’re young but there will come a point in their lives in 10 or 15 years time when they become parents and later, grandparents, who will want these valued and cherished sites to be around for their kids and grandkids to see.”
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Surprised & disappointed at this announcement. She always appeared as a sensible & dedicated Minister. Down to earth & straight talking, commodities sadly often lacking in today’s political leadership. But if she feels her work ‘is done’ & doesn’t have the heart for the ‘fray’ it’s a logical & honest decision. I wish her all the best in her retirement & thanks for her service.
@Frank Mc Carthy: Heather Humphreys abused her Ministerial powers to appoint a party member to a state board in order to burnish his credentials for the Seanad/General elections
@Steve White: let he who is without sin etc…..
@Ian McDonald: Jesus Mary and Joseph ian. Keep the false religious beliefs out of it.
@Tired Jim: Is your da? I appreciate that’s a hard question ,jim.
@Frank Mc Carthy: she must be punished for he bad work.
@Frank Mc Carthy: good riddance. Wasted opportunity to bring in meaningful reform and align Ireland social welfare system with most of Europe on a get out what you pay in principle. Instead of someone on a decent wage loses their job they get 450 for 3 months. In Germany you get 75% of your wage for 2 years. Also her approach on XL bully dogs was a carbon copy of the UK where it’s been shown to fail. Waste of space. Next
@Frank Mc Carthy: your deluded. She is ad bad if not worse than the rest. Poison
What does this say when Humphreys along with many high profile FG politicians, have now decided not to seek re-election on the upcoming GE, is it the leadership. Or is it the makeup of the current government, and the many blunders, that seems to keep on giving
@Paul Maguire: READ the article maybe, she’s 64??- I took my pension at 53, tbh, it just wasn’t ‘doing it’ for me anymore so said ‘adiue’
@Frank Mc Carthy: pension at 53? So you are an ex government employee.
@David Cotter: He’s definitely part of her pr and spin team
@Paul Maguire: it’s the ungrateful moaners on TheJournal
@David Cotter: haha, nope invested wisely
@Ian McDonald: Considering you’re one of the biggest said moaners ian that comment is very funny. Although you’re probably a grateful moaner so I could be wrong..
@Paul Maguire: It says that that FG are prepared to place the future of Ireland in the hands of a bunch of novices. They will need to get at least 20 new TD’s to get into Govt and 10 of those novices will be junior or senior ministers. If that ain’t a disregard for Democracy, I don’t know what is. Leave the country in a mess and just walk away and leave people who know less about what they are doing clean it up.
@Paul Maguire: it’s all about the corruption that’s going to come out soon in this fg and ffg ect . Just look back at the broadband 25 year contract awarded by fg ect ,and who was made a director in 2020 of that company .shit to hit the fan soon. ,but been held back till election called . ,yet all walk away in big fat pension ect
@Christopher Fealy: yeah, just like the scandal in Washington that forced Leo to step down. That never happened.
She’s 64, in a tough time consuming job and has lost her mojo. That’s perfectly understandable, no matter what you think of her. I happen to think she mostly did a good job and she brought in several improvements in her area.
@Paul Gorry: not me Paul, only you. Only you. Staying awake all night to have a go at every comment
@jak: there is no scandal, that’s my point. Not everything is a conspiracy.
@Frank Mc Carthy: AHH public servants
@David Cotter: cop or ex nut nurse
Praise the lord…..dreadful lightweight politician
@David Cotter: nonsense, she carries a fair deal of ‘clout’ at the top table, a great ambassador & speaker on behalf of her constituents.
@David Cotter: please elaborate
@Frank Mc Carthy: nice polished soundbite frank ..would you like to declare your position in professional politics?
@Tony Lyons: we’ll Tony the latest one is when child benefit is still going to millionaires she said to give it back…..Jesus wept what a clownish thing to say..
@David Cotter: oh I’m HAPPILY RETIRED with a big bunch of rescue doggies ( NOT inc Mrs Mc Cathy)
@David Cotter: maybe you should run in the election, obviously, you know-it-all-all, sure we’d be lucky to have you
@Kevvy kerrr: not corrupt enough buddy
@David Cotter: At least she put herself up for election and got elected. Unlike you. Professional fkin whinger.
@David Cotter: she also said it couldn’t be means tested!!
Yeah they can means test the carers allowance!
FG don’t care about the vulnerable people in this country
I think part of the reason so many politicians are leaving nowadays is the abuse they get from the general public. I know some of them are in it for their own benefit and egos, but it is a very difficult job and they are an easy target. The advent of social media in the last few years has hugely increased the ease in which to anonymously attack people. It’s fair to criticise but some of the things you read and hear about are outrageous.
@Joseph Fitzgibbon: common joe there’s way more difficult jobs out there with abuse assaults and dreadful pay….
@Joseph Fitzgibbon: Absolute nonsense. Extremely prvileged high paying job, they should feel honoured to be representing their constituents.
@David Cotter: I didn’t say it was the most difficult job, I said it was a very difficult one. Sure, the pay is very good, but you could lose it in the next election. I don’t understand when people criticise them in such terrible ways, who puts them in these jobs anyway!!
@qffaffaf affrafrfraf: Its not a high paying job in the slightest unless you think a 100k job is high paying. If so I presume you are a peasant
@Joseph Fitzgibbon: so…it’s not a difficult job
There’s staff for you..a party machine..a dail staff to help also
A big payout if you loose your seat.
A lobbying job if you do loose your seat or a seat back on the council or media work and so on…
They give it the poor me all the time joe but thousands of people run every election ..
@David Cotter: Not sure what world you live in. For those that have families, you basically give up the vast majority of the time with your family. Where I live, very few people wanted to stand in the local elections, partly due to the abuse they get. Women politicians seem even more open to anonymous threats and nonsense. All of them don’t have party machines as you say, a lot of Independents now and smaller parties. As I say, not all politicians are very good, but many go into it with good intentions.
@Joseph Fitzgibbon: ah yes time with the family
We’ll why then are so many seats inherited…..
Independent and small parties still employ a staff.(taxpayer funded obviously)
And we’re not talking about local elections..thousands stand for the dail
And by the way the only assault I’ve heard of lately in politics was by a politician…on his sister
@qffaffaf affrafrfraf: you mean moaners and self opionated mo€#ns.
Some good news finally, delighted
When the permanent damage is done, they all jump off the sinking ship with illegal emigrants coming in left, right and centre and they walking the streets at night in groups with hoods up and NO ONE knows who these people are.
So many standing down, not contesting.
People who have basically destroyed others to reach the level of political success that they have attained.
How many FG or FF aspirants have they trod over to keep themselves in a lifestyle that they’re comfortable with.
And now they say, can’t be bothered any more.
Doesn’t pass the smell test, never mind the laugh test.
What do they know that they’re not telling us.
A huge loss to the lads on benefits .
@Willie Marty: tbh, I liked her, I respected her…..BUT that bowing down to the long term unemployed with benefit hikes & double bonuses…. gotta say that left a bad taste in mouth, in an era of full employment….sent out the wrong/ a weird message
Didnt see that coming. Will be difficult for FG to retain her seat.
@Andrew Kenny: Won’t be difficult at all.
@Andrew Kenny: credit union trustee
@Andrew Kenny: A huge loss not only to FG but to the Country ! Best wishes to her in whatever she chooses to do in the future.
@Phillip Smyth: evening Phillip, you have a point … Or was that just a post for ‘postings’sake?
@Kevvy kerrr: never post for posting sake should know that by know thoughts prevail(Kev)
@Kevvy kerrr: and good evening to you Sir.
@Phillip Smyth: well, not much good about it really, Newcastle, Arsenal and Munster all losing today, blast it!!!!
@Kevvy kerrr: tomorrow is the day I suppose I shall really enjoy my evening (kev) Liverpool will sound bite the season.
@Phillip Smyth: for some reason….. Methinks that mouth watering game has DRAW written all over it……. It’ll be a point each in Anfield tomorrow afternoon
Micheal Martin is when I’m sixty four he’s the one that needs to go and call it for the rest of his party.
Really won’t be missed.
Don’t blame her. Must be a horrible job given the current climate, national issues and consistent blunders by her own party.
Totally shocked but I can understand why. A person of great talent, a marvelous Minister, a very kind and human person. She will be missed by her constituents, by her party and by us all. Many thanks and good health
She well deserves her retirement that you for your public service
@Trump 24: nobody can say say she didn’t give it her “all”, there are so few politicians nowadays we can say this about but Heather H wasn’t in it for the fame or money……. As a society we owe her a debt of gratitude. Happy retirement
@Trump 24: Trumpbot malfunction on aisle 3
@Kevvy kerrr: are you drunk
@Anthony Curran: Silly child she was a fantastic politician
@Kevvy kerrr: She ended up with 3 to 4 million all the same, not bad for not being in it for the money !
@Trump 24: as fantastic as Trump ?
Well well she won’t have to wait till 66 for state pension. Massive payday and another big pension for the taxpayer to pay.it all adds up.didnt have to put in many years to get it.meanwhile the rest of us will collect about 300 euros less a kick back on our pensions after 35 years. Legislation by the legislators for the legislators.is she due any other pensions like a teachers
Everyone of them running away from the mess their leavining this country of ours in. They know they have gotten the migration issue’s completely wrong. The overspending on the childrens hospital, security hut, bike shed, and the housing for these migrants are only the tip of the iceberg. But of course, they can run off into the sunset with their huge pensions and leave some other unfortunate to try sort it all out. What a total and utter shower this government has been.
Woke people and the opposite of woke people wondering how can I blame heather for my life. The exact reason the comments are left open. She is a great politician who just did her job. Enjoy the gardening and bargain hunt you deserve it
@Fergal Tully: Yes great, was great at getting an Animal Abuser off the hook, demolishing historic buildings and jobs for her mates..
“Although Humphreys said John Nulty was selected “on merit”, she later admitted she regretted the decision.”
@Michale Kane: why dont you run next election, I am sure you will make a great TD, I bet the job is dead easy, you should give it a go as you obviously have all the answers
@Peter Byrne: Why don’t you offer anything useful to say peter? You’re quite frankly the worst fffg troll to never make sense in the journal comments!
@Fergal Tully: I doubt very much she will have to bargain hunt. I’d say she’ll be going for the top end- designer etc….
Great news Won’t have to lisen to that terrible voice
As a member of her constituency I am really sorry to see her go but completely understand. There is so much abuse and crap thrown at politicians these days and who needs it at the age of 64.
@MarkR: and deservedly so.. FG melting down from the inside out,
@MarkR: has unregulated hate and violent speech online contributed to that toxicity?, now who could have done something about that?
I think very many of todays politicians should consider their own positions . It seems so many stay in politics as a life long career even when their health, commitment and input , no longer sustain the demands required in political life to act for the electorate. It is honest for Heather Humphreys to access her position and I respect her for recognising it is time. The pity is many such as Michael Martin and others , cling to power despite changing and challenging times when such changes call for new thinking by empowered, educated and informed politicians who have defined resources to meet changing demands.
Her Auto Enrollment Pension legislation has a.section in it that allows the State to tax those same pensions up to a rate of 47%< this was sneakily put in & is there so people's pensions can be raided when things go tits up. Her gold plated Ministerial Pension & that of her other 17 colleagues will be exempt of course. She knew she was leaving & dished out a massive Social Welfare package, rewarding those who don't work or contribute anything, nothing for those paying for it all. Another poor Minister who abandoned working people & forgot the bread & butter issued, that's her legacy. Mc Entee, Harris, ROG & Martin are going to pull every stunt before they leave, so controversial legislation like the Hate Speech legislation are going to be rail roaded through.
Pity very effective minister thanks for your service heather
Ah now! Ffg in absolute freefall! A scandal like this deserves a 24 page pull out from the s*n or a November election!
Not my favourite politician, but respect where it is due. She worked hard for the people who voted for her and her party.
She was too Tory for me!!!!!
Me oul mate Sadiq Khan looks depressed in this photo, did he just hear that climate change toppled another camera in Hillingdon.
No one’s ever happy. Give me a break. Blame the
Government but don’t grow balls. Take some responsibility people. Really. Too many want hams outs. And they’re the first to cause division. L
@Jack Hayes: well said !!!
@Jack Hayes: Yeah Jack, because ordinary folks all have wealthy friends who financially back them and/or physically help their campaigns in return for state contracts.
I wonder will she run for president….
Huge loss after all her amazing positive contributions
Hmm, I wonder has she enough energy to run for the Áras?
One of the better T.D’s so much understanding of live. Sad to see her go.
Her background in a border county and her proven ability to perform well in several ministries should qualify her as a credible candidate should FG decide to run someone for the Presidency. Her biggest legacy will probably be Pension auto enrolment although it will be many years before this is fully recognised. She was the only minister able to astutely and effectively share with the public some of the billions of Euro this country is awash with.
The terrible state of Health, Education, Security ,Housing etc give no hint at the enormous funds available to a government who have failed to act.
But Ms.Humphries through fortune or otherwise acted decisively and effectively.
She will be a loss to the state.
P.s. I’m a floating voter with no political allegiance.
Regardless of her been 64 why on earth would she decide to step down now
@Sean Mccabe: because shes 64. “Will you still need me will you still feed me when i’m 64- The Beetles.
@Sean Mccabe: what a daft question.
FG candidate for President in 2025?
In whom we serve
Excellent news that 18 now rats leaving sinking ship ⛴️
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