Edwin McGreal
edwinmcgreal@mayonews.ie
The man behind the controversial Achill-henge development, Joe McNamara, could publicly state this week, for the first time, the purpose of the Stonehenge-esque structure on a hilltop in Pollagh on Achill Island.
The matter is due to return before the High Court tomorrow (Wednesday) after Mr Justice Roderick Murphy gave McNamara two weeks to put down on affidavit what the structure is and what purpose it serves.
The purpose of Achill-henge has been shrouded in mystery ever since its construction without planning permission over one weekend last November. Mayo County Council initiated High Court proceedings against McNamara, forcing him to cease construction and they have since applied for an order compelling McNamara to take down the large 4.5m high and 100m in circumference concrete structure.
Through his counsel, McNamara has indicated that Achill-henge is a ‘place of reflection’ while there has been plenty of speculation about its full purpose.
Many believe that it could represent a ‘tomb’ to the Celtic Tiger, given McNamara’s history of protests. The one-time property developer became known as ‘The Anglo Avenger’ after a series of high-profile protests against Anglo Irish Bank, including driving a concrete-mixing truck at the gates of Leinster House with the words ‘Toxic Bank’ daubed on the vehicle. He reportedly owes Anglo Irish Bank €3.5m.
McNamara himself has steadfastly refused to talk to the media about the development but it appears that he will have to give a full disclosure in this affidavit of the purpose of Achill-henge. McNamara has also applied to An Bord Pleanála to have the development considered as exempt from planning. A previous application to Mayo County Council was unsuccessful.
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