Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 September 2020
102. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if he will inform the OPW and investigate the findings of a mass grave that was discovered recently by archaeologists on the battlefield of Vinegar Hill, Enniscorthy, County Wexford; and if he will instruct the OPW to preserve and mark the area as a national monument. [24552/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI assume the Deputy is referring to an archaeological survey undertaken in 2017 on behalf of Wexford County Council to further assess the findings of a previous survey and to determine the presence or otherwise of additional archaeological features associated with the Vinegar Hill battlefield site. The survey was licenced by my Department under the National Monuments Acts.
The survey report identified a number of intercutting pits which, according to the specialist geophysicist, may be indicative of quarrying or other activity. However, it did not adduce any substantive evidence of the existence of mass burials associated with the 1798 Rebellion or otherwise. Any proposals for development on the site in the future would, of course, be subject to further archaeological assessment and investigation.
