Sir, - Now that the debate over the proliferation of pubs in Temple Bar has subsided somewhat, and Temple Bar Properties has undertaken to revise its policy in this regard, perhaps it is time to take a more sober look at the question of development led archaeological excavation in the area. Archaeology has been presented as one of the jewels in the Temple Bar crown, with press releases, publications and educational material issued on the subject. Fair enough, but is there not something disquieting about the fact that most of this archaeological activity follows on the demolition of old buildings, for example, the blitzkrieg of Georgian houses on Essex Quay in 1993?
Temple Bar Properties' reaction to earlier criticism of the relationship between its archaeological and development programmes was simply to dismiss it as "ill informed" and "nonsensical". However, it has now come to my attention that concern over development led archaeology is growing within the profession itself, Thus the April issue of British Archaeology reports fears that standards have fallen as a result of cuts in funding for long term projects, and the prevalence of "lowest bid" tendering associated with rescue archaeology. Similarly, the Spring issue of Archaeology Ireland states that destructive excavation should be avoided where practical, noting also that commercial excavation projects in general do not lend themselves to rigorous standards of investigation and adequate publication of results.
Even at this late stage of Temple Bar's development, the Minister for the Environment and Temple Bar Renewal might wish to consider these points, and ensure that no more old buildings in the area are needlessly reduced to holes in the ground, teeming with trowel bearing eager young archaeological ants. - Yours, etc.,
Windgates,
Bray,
Co Wicklow.