Request for your assistance

dublin | environment | news report Thursday September 02, 2004 16:43 by John O'Neill passltd at eircom dot net 01 8641964 (work)

Re archaeological find in Finglas

An extremely rare brooch has been discovered along with the remains of a 10th century woman, aged between 25 and 35, during an archaeological excavation at a site in Finglas village in north Dublin.

The site is due for development and has been delayed for a few weeks. A number of local people are raising their concerns about the proposed apartments proximity to the ruins of St Canices Church. They are asking for advice and assistance from anyone that has had experience in campaigning against similar developments.

FINGLAS VIKING SITE MUST BE PROTECTED

Community activists and local residents are calling on the state to intervene to preserve the historic site at old St Canice's Church, Finglas village, where the skeleton of a 10th century Viking woman was recently discovered.

This discovery might be just the tip of an archaeological iceberg: The fact that the archaeologists have discovered the closing ditch of the original Finglas monastery, well's and defensive ramparts, as well as the woman’s skeleton should be enough to call a halt to any plans to build apartments there.

Finglas was an important monastic centre located in the buffer zone between Viking Dublin and the Gaelic Kingdoms to the north. Rather than being the victim of raids, it is believed that it had a healthy trading relationship with the Viking town, so it could be a particularly rich site of Viking and Gaelic finds. There is also the possibility that this woman burial was not an isolated one and that more bodies could be found.’

The work on the apartments is due to commence in a few weeks. This must be stopped and the priceless heritage, which belongs to, the people of Finglas preserved.

Unfortunately, the Council has, over the last number of years, approved the destruction of many buildings of historical significance,

We would like to get some advice and support in protecting this site. You can contact me at the phone number or email above