Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 586: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government the position regarding the recovery of the medieval sailing vessel discovered during the course of dredging operations in the River Boyne in 2006; the progress to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19050/07]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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During dredging operations undertaken by the Drogheda Port Company in the River Boyne the remains of the submerged wreck of a clinker-built vessel were discovered in November 2006. Preliminary carbon dating of wood samples taken from the wreck indicate that it dates it from the late medieval era. Further dendrochronological analysis of wood samples will more accurately pinpoint the vessel's date and provenance.

At this juncture the wreck is considered to be not alone of Irish but international significance. It is very rare to discover an intact wreck of this period and type in Irish or European waters. In addition to the vessel itself, related equipment has been found including a well preserved pulley block and mast-step, the remains of some 13 cargo barrels and some private items belonging to the crew such as a wooden drinking vessel. The wreck of the vessel is considered, by virtue of age, uniqueness and potential significance, to be a national monument and the provisions of the National Monuments Acts 1930-2004 apply to it.

The excavation, recording and recovery of the vessel commenced in January 2007 and is currently nearing completion. This highly delicate and skilled archaeological operation is contingent on weather and tidal conditions and has been undertaken by my Department with the logistical support of Drogheda Port Company and the conservation expertise of the National Museum of Ireland.

Upon recovery, a major conservation programme, to be undertaken by the National Museum of Ireland, will need to be put in place. It is only at this stage that the full import and value of the wreck in archaeological terms can be properly evaluated. Pending a full scientific post-excavation report on the vessel, I intend to issue interim preliminary reports for the public giving as much information on this significant discovery as possible. In this context my Department has also commissioned documentary filming of the wreck discovery, excavation and recovery operation.