Environment Minister John Gormley has launched three new Codes of Practice to improve archaeological protection on major infrastructural projects.

The codes were jointly developed between his department and Eirgrid, ESB Networks and the Irish Concrete Federation.

Mr Gormley said the objective of the codes is to create a framework for infrastructure providers to progress their work programmes, while addressing archaeological implications in a structured manner, and remaining sensitive to the need to protect archaeological sites and monuments.

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He said that, in adopting the new Codes of Practice, Eirgrid, ESB Networks and the Irish Concrete Federation had "shown a strong commitment to the conservation of archaeology in their development plans and to an overall approach that is sustainable and sensitive to Ireland's unique heritage".

The Minister added: "The codes show that development and conservation can go hand in hand. I hope that the codes would help spread the message that being pro heritage does not equate to being anti-development."

(PR/JM)