Archaeologist return to controversial road site

Archaeologists have moved back onto the controversial Carrickmines Castle site, which is located in the path of the South Eastern Motorway, the final section of the M50.

Dozens of archaeological staff have resumed excavations at the site to carry out what the National Roads Authority (NRA) describes as "finds retrieval".

The NRA said yesterday, November 7th that it was always their intention to return to the site after the initial manual phase was completed.

Michael Egan of the NRA said that the latest phase had been held up by the so-called Carrickminders who have been protesting at the site since the end of August. He said the "minders" had blockaded the site and prevented the use of mechanical excavators.

However, spokesman Ruadhan MacEoin said the return of the archaeologists was a "grudging acknowledgement" that the recovery of the sites treasures is far from over.