Speech by Mr Martin Cullen, T.D., Minister for Transport at the Launch of Seanda the National Roads Authority Archaeological Magazine

Date: 14 December 2006

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am delighted to be here today at the Royal Irish Academy to launch the NRA's new magazine "Seanda" and their new set of archaeological posters and brochures.

As a Minister, I have had the privilege over the last number of years of travelling the length and breath of Ireland and witnessing at first hand the amazing transformation of our country. In many respects Ireland has changed - most of this change has been positive and for the greater good. Our physical landscape has altered to accommodate the needs of our growing population and our economic landscape has also changed considerably. We have an economy that is working and a country that is at work. There are now, for the first time ever, over two million people at work in Ireland. This is a very significant landmark development in our economic advancement.

The clearest and most visible evidence of Ireland's transformation can be seen in our national road network. Over the last 12 months, the country has witnessed an unprecedented number of road openings and sod-turnings. It seemed, at one stage, that not a week went by without yet another roads appointment appearing in my diary!

Of course, improving our transport infrastructure and transforming the transport experience for people all over Ireland is one of the key goals of this Government. Transport 21, launched just over a year ago, is the Government's investment plan for transport over the next nine years, which will underpin our competitiveness, promote balanced regional growth and enhance the quality of life of all our citizens for generations to come.

Yes, 2006 - the first year of Transport 21 has been in every way a record year for the national roads programme. However, it can be all too easy to get caught up in the moment and to forget the rich past we, as a nation, have experienced. The demand for, and the pace of progress can be, and indeed is relentless. This is especially true and very evident in the transport area.

I am therefore delighted to be able to say that although the NRA's primary function is to build the roads of today and tomorrow they have not forgotten about the past. They know that national road developments can have significant archaeological impacts. That is why they have invested time and resources in making sure that as the national roads programme continues apace, Ireland's past continues to be remembered.

The archaeological benefits of the NRA's approach are clear in the exciting results of the many excavations carried out around the country. The benefits to national road schemes are clear as construction can proceed with a greatly reduced risk of encountering significant archaeological remains. Society at large is of course a winner on both counts.

The NRA's annual spend on archaeological investigations exceeds the European average. From January, the NRA will directly employ 25 archaeologists in total to oversee the archaeological aspects of the national roads programme. This clearly demonstrates the NRA's ongoing commitment to the timely delivery of the national roads programme while paying due regard to the nation's heritage.

"Seanda" and the new set of posters and brochures is another welcome demonstration of the NRA's continued commitment to all matters archaeological.

Artefacts uncovered by archaeologists can help determine the wealth of a community, an individual or a neighbourhood. The origin of objects found on the landscape can tell us about trade networks and provide an insight into daily living patterns of an earlier people. It is vitally important from both a historical and educational viewpoint, that we can access clear information - like the images, photographs and feature articles provided in this new publication and the leaflets - about the archaeological investigations undertaken as part of our national roads-building programme.

This first issue of "Seanda" is a very impressive publication. It has obviously been written with the general reader firmly in mind. A lot of time, effort and attention have gone into making it a genuinely interesting read. Congratulations to its editorial team - Dáire O'Rourke, Michael Stanley and Rachel Pierce - and everyone involved in producing what I know will become an eagerly awaited biannual publication.

The new posters and brochures which cover archaeological sites discovered in counties Carlow, Cork, Dublin, Kildare, Longford, Louth, Meath, Westmeath, Waterford, Wicklow and Wexford add to an already impressive collection produced last year.

Taken together they form an important point of reference for anyone interested in the rich heritage uncovered by the national roads programme in recent times.

Over the last few years, the NRA has demonstrated their commitment to safeguarding our national heritage whilst at the same time facilitating the delivery of the national road-building programme. They have shown, that the goals of national development and safeguarding our heritage can be compatible if the time, effort, commitment and resources are there.

Thank you all very much.

ENDS