Vol. 453 No. 7
41 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht if he will preserve, excavate and promote excavation of the Irish archaeological heritage of Dublin; the work that has been carried out to date; the knowledge that is available from research; the works he intends to have carried out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9847/95]
The most important objective is to preserve the archaeological remains in situ, particularly in the medieval city of Dublin. Archaeological excavation is, in itself, a process of destruction and generally only justified where unavoidable to facilitate development. The National Monuments and Historic Properties Service has established close liaison with Dublin Corporation on planning matters which have archaeological implications in order to avoid or minimise archaeological disturbance. Where excavation does take place, a formal licence is required under the National Monuments Acts and proper standards are insisted upon.
To date, large areas of medieval Dublin have been excavated, especially by the National Museum at High Street, Christchurch Place and the Wood Quay civic offices' site and by the Office of Public Works at Dublin Castle. The corporation itself funded excavation prior to phase 2 of the civic offices development and prior to a sewerage scheme on Patrick Street and Winetavern Street. Private developers have funded many other rescue excavations around the city in accordance with planning conditions, as have Temple Bar Properties Limited. These investigations have greatly increased our knowledge of the Viking origins of the city and the later medieval expansion. The priority now is to have the findings of the excavations published.
