Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 7 May 1998

Vol. 490 No. 6

Written Answers. - Archaeological Sites.

Ivor Callely

Question:

36 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the progress necessary to enable the general public to view the large areas of medieval Dublin that have been excavated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10755/98]

Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands (Miss de Valera)

A number of archaeological excavations are currently being carried out under licence from Dúchas, the heritage service of my Department, in the medieval area of Dublin, particularly in the western sector of Temple Bar. In general discoveries include the remains of Hiberno-Norse or Viking settlements dating to the 10th and 11th centuries. Temple Bar Properties has engaged an archaeologist to explore, document and arrange protection measures for archaeology of the area.

Temple Bar Properties, in co-operation with Dublin Corporation, has arranged for viewing of the existing research excavations in the western sector through the provision of specially designed platforms and viewing areas. I understand that they have also made available to the public, information and educational material in relation to these excavations. Research findings and artefacts from earlier excavations have been displayed in the Dublin Viking Adventure Centre by Dublin Tourism, in association with the National Museum of Ireland. It is hoped to have a further exhibition mounted on the current excavations, in due course. A permanent exhibition on findings from the Viking period in Dublin is open in the Kildare Street premises of the National Museum since 1995, and a new audio-visual facility is to be opened later this year to help elucidate on the material displayed therein. Finds from the later medieval, post Viking, period are on permanent display at Dublinia at Christchurch.