Contractors working on an energy project in Ireland have uncovered human remains.

EirGrid, who are laying piping for a high voltage underground power line, discovered what is believed to be early Christian remains.

According to the Irish Examiner the medieval burial ground was discovered on farmland in Rush, North Dublin, in June as EirGrid carried out their work.

The Queen's University, in Belfast, carried out tests on the remains and they have placed the burial site back as far as the seventh century, from between 617 to 675 AD.

-- Advertisement --

Archaeologists would not speculate on the number of remains on the site but confirmed they were pre-Viking and from the conversion period of Christianity, reported the Irish Examiner.

John Fitzgerald, project director with Eirgrid, said: "It is an interesting historical discovery for the project, local archaeologists and the local community.

"We are working with Fingal County Council and the National Monuments Service, and will provide more detailed information to the public about the archaeological site as soon as we know more."

EirGrid, a state-owned company, has been mandated to develop the interconnector by 2012. The €600m east-west interconnector will link Ireland’s and Britain’s national grid with an underwater pipeline from Wales to Rush.

(LB/BMcC)