The extensive Viking settlement at Woodstown in Co Waterford looks set to be saved after the Minister for the Environment said he would like to see the site preserved.
Speaking after visiting the site today, Dick Roche said he was minded to direct that the site, described as the greatest find in a century, be preserved in situ.
The minister said he noted that the National Roads Authority had said the €400 million Waterford ring road could be moved to an alternative route, and would not have to go through the Woodstown site.
However, Mr Roche said he would not make a final decision until after consulting the Director of the National Museum, Dr Pat Wallace. But Dr Wallace told RTÉ News last year that he would like to see the site fully excavated.
Asked whether his department would pay millions to have the site excavated, Mr Roche said that was a matter for another day.
