A Viking settlement uncovered in Waterford poses questions for archaeologists and road builders.
The site at Woodstown in is being examined by archaeologists since being uncovered during preparations for the Waterford Ring Road. Aerial photography suggests that the settlement may be far bigger and of greater importance archaeologically than previously thought.
The National Museum of Ireland has described the site at Woodstown as
The Find of the Century
It is the earliest Viking site in the country, is very large and has not been built over. What initially appeared to be a boat building military fort could well be the original Viking settlement 'Veðrafjǫrðr', now called Waterford.
Indications from the air suggest that the site is much larger than originally thought consisting of dwellings and outhouses, Viking houses and wattle paths.
John Maas a PhD Researcher at NUI Maynooth suggests it could be one of the largest Viking towns ever discovered.
It is certainly Ireland's first Viking town.
The Minister for the Environment Martin Cullen must decide if a full excavation of the Viking settlement at Woodstown should take place. The minister must strike a balance between completing the road project and conserving heritage. Conservationists are hopeful that the significance of the site will result in the planned road being moved to a different route. The National Roads Authority will argue that to go back to the planning stage may be too costly and take too much time.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 5 June 2004. The reporter is Paul Cunningham.
