Fine Gael Meath West TD, Ray Butler, has said he intends to push for funding to allow an archaeological dig to continue at an ancient site near Athboy, which it's believed could date back to the Bronze Age.

Deputy Butler visited Tlachtga, the Hill of Ward, and has arranged for a meeting with the Minister of State at the Office of Public Works, Brian Hayes TD, to discuss the project.

Mr Butler said: "There has been some very exciting work going on at the ancient site of Tlachtga for the last number of weeks. A team of archaeologists from University College Dublin and the University of Southampton has been undertaking a geophysical survey at the site and they believe there could be some very interesting ancient materials underground.

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"It's believed the site could date back to the Bronze Age, and could be of significant historical importance.

"According to Dr Stephen Davis, who has led the work to date, they have uncovered traces of up to six concentric banks, including a possible wall around a central mound. The current monument sits in one corner of a much larger monument with at least three banks, representing the largest site of its kind in Ireland. Dr Davis believes the Tlachtga site has no Irish parallel.

"Meath is of course a county rich in ancient monuments, forts and artefacts. This site has the potential to add further to Meath’s incredible historical landscape. I understand that those working on the site are concerned that they may not be able to proceed due to a lack of funding."

(CD/MH)