Vol. 528 No. 3
15 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands the level of interest in the success of archaeological investigative works undertaken on the medieval core of Dublin city; the benefits that may accrue from such archaeological heritage; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29910/00]
While no survey or research has been carried out on the level of interest in archaeological excavations in the medieval core of Dublin, members of the public, schoolchildren, tourists and scholars of the period in Ireland and other countries all take an interest in the results.
Temple Bar Properties which carried out the most recent excavations in this area under licence from my Department have produced a series of summary reports on the results of their excavations entitled Archaeology in Temple Bar. In addition, public viewing of the Essex Street excavation was well received. Artefacts from these excavations are included in a permanent exhibition on findings from the Viking period in the National Museum of Ireland. Research findings and artefacts from earlier and later excavations are on display in the Dublinia and the Viking Adventure Centre run by Dublin Tourism, in association with the National Museum of Ireland. These centres attract many foreign and local visitors and help to present this rich archaeological heritage to a wider audience. Summary accounts of all licensed archaeological excavations can be found in the excavation bulletin series, which have been supported financially by my Department. These publications are available from all good booksellers. Seminars have also been held and the proceedings published under the editorship of Dr. Sean Duffy.
