Tom Hayes
Question:64 Mr. Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government when he intends to make a decision on the Waterford bypass; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32754/04]
View answerThursday, 9 December 2004
Questions (79)
Written answers
The Viking site at Woodstown was discovered during the course of archaeological investigations in advance of the construction of the N 25-Waterford bypass which was being carried out on behalf of Waterford City Council under the auspices of the NRA. A report on the outcome of these archaeological investigations, which identified a previously unknown Viking site, was submitted to my Department and is available on the NRA website.
The Department issued directions under the National Monuments Acts 1930 to 2004 requiring further studies to be carried out by the road developers to establish the archaeological potential of a marsh area at the western end of the site. Correspondence was recently received from the NRA enclosing reports on the results of additional investigations. In accordance with the provisions of the National Monuments (Amendment) Act 2004 I will consider these reports and consult the National Museum of Ireland with a view to issuing further directions under the Act to Waterford City Council as regards the Viking site.