Vol. 501 No. 6
326 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands the recent archaeological finds arising out of excavations in the medieval area of Dublin; if Temple Bar Properties or its archaeologist have documented any likely finds and indicated the required protective measures; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7037/99]
A number of archaeological excavations have been carried out recently by Temple Bar Properties under licence from Dúchas, the heritage service of my Department. I propose to forward to the Deputy for his information the most recent summary report produced by Temple Bar Properties which is the fifth in its series Archaeology in Temple Bar and details in brief the results of research excavations at Temple Bar West.
The archaeologist employed by Temple Bar Properties is required to lodge a detailed report on the excavations within 12 months with both the national monuments and historic properties division of Dúchas and the National Museum of Ireland. That report should include a fully detailed account of the excavations.
Under the provisions of the National Monuments Acts, 1930-94, all archaeological finds have to be reported to the National Museum and the licencee is obliged to consult the museum regarding the temporary storage of excavated finds. The professional conservation of finds is a condition of the excavation licence.
The Deputy may be aware that many artefacts from these recent excavations are included in a permanent exhibition on findings from the Viking period in the National Museum, Kildare Street. Research findings and artefacts from earlier excavations are still on display in the Viking Adventure Centre by Dublin Tourism, in association with the National Museum of Ireland.
