Archaeologists digging at Eyre Square, Galway, yesterday uncovered skeletal remains thought to date back to the 17th century.
A spokesperson for Galway City Council, Mr Brendan O'Hara, confirmed the find, but stressed it will not slow up work on the multi-million euro Eyre Square Enhancement Scheme which got underway just under a month ago.
Moore Archaeologists, who are working alongside the local authority on the project, will now try to establish how the skeleton came to be in Eyre Square.
Construction work on Eyre Square is continuing to cause problems for the council.
Routes through Eyre Square have been closed for the past two weeks to accommodate construction work on the square.
The new system has led to traffic chaos at peak hours in the morning, midday and evening. Galway Chamber of Commerce said yesterday the problem has reached crisis point, with businesses across all sectors in the city centre registering complaints.
CEO Mr Michael Coyle accused the council of "not listening" to the concerns of the general public and the business sector in the city centre.
"The project is in its early stages now. With 18 months to go, it's looking bleak for businesses and something must be done."
Traders group the Heart of Galway Association has also spoken out.