asked the Minister for Finance the progress and cost so far of the archaeological dig at Kells, County Meath on the site of the proposed Garda station; the nature of the finds made there so far; and when he expects the excavation to be (a) completed and (b) the subject of a published report.
Written Answers. - Kells (Meath) Archaeological Dig.
105.
The archaeological excavation at Kells uncovered a large sharply curving ditch of early Christian date — possibly 7th century. A small medieval ditch was also uncovered. Finds include a well preserved bronze ringed pin, a bronze needle, a bone pin, glass beads, a stone bead, an iron knife and clasp, a disc, cut antler, pottery and many animal bones. The excavation was started on 5 October 1987 and was completed on 11 December at a cost of £20,000. Further minor excavation may be required in advance of the construction of the Garda station. Under the contract terms, the archaeologist must furnish a summary report to the Commissioners of Public Works within 12 weeks of the completion of the excavation work and agree on a date for the presentation of a definitive report to them. While it is not obligatory, reports are often published, usually as a paper in an archaeological journal, at a later date.