Concerns over planning delays at Viking site

FRESH concerns are being raised about the potential delays caused to a city bypass because of the discovery of an archaeological site in the area being excavated.

A report on a Viking site uncovered on the edge of Waterford city earlier this year is not due until September. But local politicians fear it could be well into next year before work begins on the route, further hindering development in the region.

Labour councillor Pat Hayes says that all members of the city’s council should be brought to the site before the Environment Minister Martin Cullen’s decision on what should be done to protect the find. It will be the minister who decides if the site will be excavated or if an overpass will be built to preserve the area.