Brian O'Shea (Waterford, Labour)
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Question 268: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government his proposals regarding a full excavation of the Viking site at Woodstown, County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11372/06]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I refer to Question No. 660 of 25 October 2005. The working group I established to advise on the most appropriate strategy for the future preservation and management of the Woodstown site has met twice. The group comprises two senior archaeologists, including my Department's chief archaeologist; a senior archaeologist from the National Roads Authority; two representatives of the National Museum of Ireland, including the museum director; a representative each from Waterford City and County Councils and the Heritage Council and an independent archaeologist.

The group is chaired by the principal officer of the national monuments section in the Department. The group recently completed a targeted public consultation of bodies, groups and individuals which it considered to have a direct or expert interest in the site, including academics and experts in related archaeological and historical fields, local historical societies, the Royal Irish Academy, the Royal Society of Antiquarians, An Taisce and various local bodies and interests. The group received 18 responses, which it is considering. In preparing its report I understand the group will consider all options up to and including, but not limited to, full excavation. It is intended that the group will provide me with an interim report next month and a final report by end of June 2006.