Further study of Waterford site to be carried out

Further archaeological investigations are to be carried out at Woodstown, Co Waterford, where more than 5,000 Viking artefacts have already been uncovered.

Commenting on the report of an interim study of the area, Minister for the Environment Dick Roche said despite the large Viking find, the provenance of the site was not clear.

While there was a Viking presence at Woodstown, some archaeologists have argued that the site in question is older than the Viking era and may even be pre-Christian.

The site was uncovered during archaeological investigations associated with the Waterford ring road in 2003. It was subsequently declared a national monument by Mr Roche in a move that meant a section of the ring road being rerouted.

The interim report of the working group set up to advise on future management of the site recommended further study.

According to the Minister "not enough is definitively known about the site, its provenance and the knowledge of our history it has the potential to unlock.

"Therefore, I have approved the working group's recommendation that a supplementary research and investigation project be undertaken to review all available information, including archaeological assessments and investigations, and to undertake targeted excavation to answer specific questions about the site."

The additional work will be completed and a report prepared by the end of the year to assist the working group in making further recommendations to the Minister. The expert group includes the director of the National Museum, members of the Heritage Council, Waterford local authorities, the National Roads Authority and the Department of the Environment.

The group has met a number of times to explore the issues relating to the monument's nature and extent. From this it is hoped to establish its status, protection and long-term management.

It also held a targeted consultation process earlier this year, meeting those it considered had an expert or direct interest in the monument.

"It is worth taking our time with this significant discovery", said Mr Roche. "It has lain in Woodstown for over 1,000 years. We should be patient enough to ensure we have the fullest possible knowledge to hand and thus get our final deliberations and decisions right."

Mr Roche went on to say he believed the site would represent "a valuable addition to this heritage rich and historic region".

A copy of the working group's interim report is available on the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government website.