The National Roads Authority has rejected claims that it is "desecrating" an ancient burial site in Co Laois as part of works on the proposed M7 motorway.
An authority spokesman said it was carrying out archaeological works in accordance with standard practice and in line with the directions of the Minister for the Environment. More than 300 skeletons have been discovered at the site at Parknahown near Cullahill, and many more are expected to be uncovered.
Most of the skeletons have been dated to the medieval period. Archaeologists have also unearthed evidence of a previously unknown seventh-century settlement at the site.
The NRA spokesman said the remains would be sent to the National Museum, which would decide whether they should be reinterred or preserved for research. He said this was standard practice for the authority, which had dealt with a number of similar finds recently, including the discovery of 450 skeletons during work on bridge improvements near Kinnegad.
He was commenting amid local claims that works were being carried out in a "rough-shod" manner. Local priest, Fr Willie Hennessy, told RTÉ yesterday that everyone in the area felt the site should be preserved out of respect for the dead, adding that there was shock in his parish at the extent of the "desecration".
