Work at massive Drogheda shopping complex has ground to a halt after scores of 18th Century human remains were recovered from the site.

The Scotch Hall scheme, being undertaken by development firm South Bank, appears to be built on a previously undocumented medieval settlement.

So far 30 bodies have been exhumed from the area, just 25 miles north of Dublin.

Twenty-eight skeletons were found at the south end of the site, close to houses on the March Road.

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According to sources, more remains will be found, but as yet diggers have been unable to access certain parts of the site.

The remains have been described as a "find of major significance", and the historical importance is compounded by the digs' proximity to Drogheda's medieval town walls

Architect with Douglas Wallace, Gerry Hand, said: "This appears to be a very important find for the archaeologists."

A spokesman for Edward Holding said the development was progressing slower than initially anticipated.

"Despite this negotiations with future potential tenants are active and ongoing," he added.

Detailed research and post-excavation works have been initiated, which are expected to provide more information on the history of the site.

(PR)