Bruton fears destruction of many archaeological sites

A former Taoiseach claimed that the "breakneck pace of infrastuctural and residential development" was threatening archaeological sites.

Mr John Bruton (FG, Meath) said that an archaeological excavation, even if undertaken to the highest scientific standard, involved large-scale destruction of whatever was being excavated.

He said he was horrified to learn last week that of the archaeological excavations carried out between 1997 and 2002 - each one of which had to be individually licensed by the State - more than one-quarter had not been the subject of reports properly lodged with the authorities by the archaeologists in charge.

"There are now 1,514 archaeological excavations, conducted between 1997 and 2002, where the relevant excavation reports have not been lodged and where the data on the excavations are not available to be examined by the general public or by other persons carrying out research," he said.

Mr Bruton added that two months after tabling a question on the matter, 1,514 reports had not been traced. "Some of them may still be active and some may have been placed in the wrong file, but nobody can say for sure. How much confidence does that instil?"

The Minister of State for the Environment, Mr Noel Ahern, said that the increase in volume of licences had risen dramatically from 487 in 1997 to about 2,000 in 2003.

"To meet this challenge the initial focus has been on the timely issue of licences so that archaeological excavations could be carried out within the timeframe of this development project."

In addition, he added, codes of practice for the protection of the archaeological heritage were in development between his Department and bodies such as the National Roads Authority, Bord Gáis, the Irish Concrete Federation and Bord na Móna.

He added that those partnerships provided for best practice and consistent high standards in mitigating impacts on the archaeological heritage and in preserving sites in situ where possible.

Mr Ahern said the focus now was not just the timely issue of licences to ensure proper archaeological supervision of an excavation but also on the submission of reports.

He added that this year he would be initiating a number of improvements.