2nd August 2012, 10:31 AM
From Matt on the Facebook group
IAI issued the following statement in their weekly newsletter.
Cherrymount Scheme Crannog
Following an on-site meeting at the crannog on Monday 30th July, Alex Attwood, Minister for Environment, has issued a statement saying that a review of the process leading to the current situation is to be undertaken (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-19053339) . As the primary body representing professional archaeologists in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, IAI has requested to participate in such a review.
What is interesting and frustrating about the dynamic of this situation was that the flexibility and organic nature of the movement triggered by Roberts blog led to a very large movement demanding action. This movement encompasses people who would traditionally have been involved in IAI but also a large number of people who would not. The speed of response and involvement from official bodies was too slow, probably as they would argue because their role is to gather all the facts and comment on policy, ethics etc but frankly in cases such as this that is not enough. Witness the fact that the white heat of the debate took place here instead of on the IAI forum which for all intents and purposes has ground to a halt.
One thing that most certainly needs to be addressed in addition to the grave matter of the planning practices and management of archaeological excavation is a whistleblowers charter. While archaeologists frequently gripe about their site, the director etc. there must be a safe way for professional archaeologists to communicate their serious and genuine concerns about excavations which will not result in dismissal or disciplinary action. One of the main problems during the boom was the scattergun way in which sites were regulated, often due to resources, something which is probably even more difficult now. The concern and bravery shown by crew members at Cherrymount is probably something which many archaeologists have felt on different sites around Ireland but felt afraid to voice.
IAI issued the following statement in their weekly newsletter.
Cherrymount Scheme Crannog
Following an on-site meeting at the crannog on Monday 30th July, Alex Attwood, Minister for Environment, has issued a statement saying that a review of the process leading to the current situation is to be undertaken (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-19053339) . As the primary body representing professional archaeologists in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, IAI has requested to participate in such a review.
What is interesting and frustrating about the dynamic of this situation was that the flexibility and organic nature of the movement triggered by Roberts blog led to a very large movement demanding action. This movement encompasses people who would traditionally have been involved in IAI but also a large number of people who would not. The speed of response and involvement from official bodies was too slow, probably as they would argue because their role is to gather all the facts and comment on policy, ethics etc but frankly in cases such as this that is not enough. Witness the fact that the white heat of the debate took place here instead of on the IAI forum which for all intents and purposes has ground to a halt.
One thing that most certainly needs to be addressed in addition to the grave matter of the planning practices and management of archaeological excavation is a whistleblowers charter. While archaeologists frequently gripe about their site, the director etc. there must be a safe way for professional archaeologists to communicate their serious and genuine concerns about excavations which will not result in dismissal or disciplinary action. One of the main problems during the boom was the scattergun way in which sites were regulated, often due to resources, something which is probably even more difficult now. The concern and bravery shown by crew members at Cherrymount is probably something which many archaeologists have felt on different sites around Ireland but felt afraid to voice.