Controversy over the future of the Croppy's Acre in Dublin, the burial site of rebels executed in the 1798 rebellion, was totally "without foundation", the National Museum's head of services, Mr Noel Delaney, has said.
His comments yesterday came after the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, wrote to the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands, Ms de Valera, saying he was concerned about any development which would affect the historic integrity of this important part of Dublin's heritage.
The Croppy's Acre, close to Heuston Station, is on the esplanade at Collins Barracks. Persistent reports claim the National Museum of Ireland plans to redevelop the site.
Mr Ahern told Ms de Valera that it had come to his attention that proposals existed to develop the Croppy's Acre site. He understood the museum had commissioned remote sensing to detect possible burials at the site.
It is understood he also told the Minister that it was important the Government did not appear insensitive to a highly significant site so closely associated with the 1798 rebellion. He suggested that serious consideration be given to treating the site as a memorial to the United Irishmen and the Croppies who were buried there.
However, Mr Delaney told The Irish Times that the site could well be opened up as a "historical park". It was currently in a poor state and used as a football pitch. No development planned by the museum would be insensitive or in any way "denigrate the site".
Collins Barracks is being developed as a museum, showing materials from the 17th century onwards. The first phase of development is expected to be completed shortly and it is hoped the public will have access from September 18th.
"People said we were going to turn it into a car-park or a buspark. We will respect the dead and will ensure that nothing like that will happen," Mr Delaney said.
He said the museum would be involved in the design stage of phase two of the development in the next 15 months and a decision on the Croppy's Acre could be four years away.