Conservationists campaigning for the preservation of an archaeological site in south Dublin has reinstated a blockade of the site by locking the gates to Carrickmines Castle.
The "Carrickminders" say the blockade will prevent heavy equipment from driving across sensitive archaeological remains.
Four months ago, on September 1st, the Carrickminders occupied the site in protest to plans to alter the castle with the construction of the M50 motorway and interchange.
Thousands of historical artefacts have been uncovered during a two-year archaeological dig of the castle site, at a cost of over €6 million.
The Carrickminders have called for formal talks about the future of the site with the archaeological contractor, the National Roads Authority, Dun Laoighre/Rathdown County Council and the Department of Transport.
Medieval historians believe the site was built as a fortified outpost against Gaelic invaders and was occupied between the 13th and 17th centuries.