Local Labour representative, Corina Johnston recently said, “I was contacted by a number of local residents last week regarding a potentially significant archaeological find on lands in Donabate which are subject to a live planning application.”I met the residents on site, who confirmed that they had been alerted to the find by a local farmer who stumbled upon the opening while sowing in the field. They immediately visited the site and unearthed what appears to be an underground tunnel with writing on one of the walls similar in nature to Ogham writing an early medieval alphabet.In view of the potential significance of the find Duncan Smith TD and I contacted the National Monuments Services and Fingal County Council and requested an urgent visit and an interim inspection of the site. In the meantime the entrance needs to be protected and closed off. The manner of the demolition of Turvey House a building of historical importance in 1987 must never be allowed occur again. National Monuments have confirmed to Duncan Smith TD and I that “this matter is currently being followed up on and an entry will be added to the Sites and Monuments Record in due course.” I have ascertained that the find is located on land that is subject to a current planning application with An Bord Pleanála and I have notified the board of recent developments on the land which may have implications for the planning application. We will keep you informed of developments.”