asked the Minister for Education the nature and number of the objects found in the licensed archaeological excavation at Belderg-Glenulra, County Mayo, where these are lodged and if they may be inspected by the public.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Mayo Archaeological Excavation.
8.
The excavations at Belderg Beg have revealed ancient field systems and enclosures and the archaeological finds include five saddle querns and five rubbers, sherds of Neolithic and Early Bronze Age pottery, flint scrapers and arrowheads.
Excavations at Behy-Glenulra have also revealed field systems and 100 flint chips, two flint knives, fragments of two stone axeheads and 12 potsherds.
The finds are at present lodged in the Department of Archaeology, UCD and may be inspected by arrangement on request.
Would the Minister wish that within a reasonable time these would be lodged in the National Museum where they could be put on permanent exhibition for public inspection?
Ideally I would so wish. But the Deputy is as aware, as I am, of the lack of space in the Museum for all the matter we would like to have on exhibition there. The Deputy will be satisfied that at least the finds are available for inspection at present by anyone who so desires.
Would the Minister consider, in conjunction with the archaeologists in question, the possibility that some of these finds might be exhibited on a temporary basis in County Mayo in the exhibition centre which the Department have in that county?
I indicated some time ago that I am anxious that all objects of this kind should not be held indefinitely in Dublin but rather should be repatriated to the counties of their origin when suitable premises and when guaranteed security and curatorship would be available.
Would the Minister not agree that in the case of County Mayo that already exists and that action could be taken now to move some of that material, at least on a temporary basis to the centre in Castlebar?
At the earliest opportunity it is my intention to return as many artifacts, pieces and finds as possible to local or regional museums.
That is very welcome.