Menu
25/03/2010
'Cavemen' Halt Ballymena Bypass Work
A major dual carriageway to bypass Ballymena, Co Antrim, is being delayed after the discovery of neolithic remains at the site.
Archaeologists have uncovered a rare late-neolithic ring fort, one of just four such forts found in Ireland.
Initial excavations took place over an eight-week period between June 2009 to September 2009, and a team of 20 archaeologists have recovered objects, including flint chippings, small blades and a leaf-shaped arrowhead.
The site was not detected in the pre-construction Environmental Impact Assessment, and discovery has caused months of delay and added significant cost to the project.
A Department of Regional Development spokeswoman said: "The lengthy period of poor weather had halted excavation of the remainder of the cutting, and thus halted completion of the embankments being constructed elsewhere."
It is hoped the remainder of the road construction would be completed at a fast pace following completion of the cutting and construction of embankments.
Meanwhile, campaigners opposed to the Slane bypass in Co Meath said the discovery of the neolithic remains outside Ballymena highlighted the dangers of pressing ahead with the N2 Slane bypass.
(BMcC/GK)
Archaeologists have uncovered a rare late-neolithic ring fort, one of just four such forts found in Ireland.
Initial excavations took place over an eight-week period between June 2009 to September 2009, and a team of 20 archaeologists have recovered objects, including flint chippings, small blades and a leaf-shaped arrowhead.
The site was not detected in the pre-construction Environmental Impact Assessment, and discovery has caused months of delay and added significant cost to the project.
A Department of Regional Development spokeswoman said: "The lengthy period of poor weather had halted excavation of the remainder of the cutting, and thus halted completion of the embankments being constructed elsewhere."
It is hoped the remainder of the road construction would be completed at a fast pace following completion of the cutting and construction of embankments.
Meanwhile, campaigners opposed to the Slane bypass in Co Meath said the discovery of the neolithic remains outside Ballymena highlighted the dangers of pressing ahead with the N2 Slane bypass.
(BMcC/GK)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
12 December 2002
Man dies in road accident
A 28-year-old man has been killed in a road traffic collision on the M2 bypass near Ballymena last night. The man was walking on the road when he was struck by a vehicle. The collision happened just before 9pm on the northbound carriageway of the M2 bypass between the Broughshane Road interchange and the Larne Road roundabout.
Man dies in road accident
A 28-year-old man has been killed in a road traffic collision on the M2 bypass near Ballymena last night. The man was walking on the road when he was struck by a vehicle. The collision happened just before 9pm on the northbound carriageway of the M2 bypass between the Broughshane Road interchange and the Larne Road roundabout.
22 November 2024
Sydenham Bypass Reopening Early
Planned resurfacing works on the Sydenham bypass this weekend will not go ahead with the road being fully opened from Saturday, 23 November.
Sydenham Bypass Reopening Early
Planned resurfacing works on the Sydenham bypass this weekend will not go ahead with the road being fully opened from Saturday, 23 November.
04 August 2005
Five officers hurt in hit-and-run incident
Five police officers have been injured during a hit-and-run incident in west Belfast on Thursday. One sustained ankle injuries and a suspected broken thumb when he was hit by the car at Glen Road near the Monagh bypass early this morning. Four other officers sustained minor injuries in the incident.
Five officers hurt in hit-and-run incident
Five police officers have been injured during a hit-and-run incident in west Belfast on Thursday. One sustained ankle injuries and a suspected broken thumb when he was hit by the car at Glen Road near the Monagh bypass early this morning. Four other officers sustained minor injuries in the incident.
14 November 2018
Magherafelt Bypass Closed Due To Security Alert
A Magherafelt security alert is ongoing, with police currently at the scene, following the discovery of a suspicious object in the area. The discovery was made on the A31 Magherafelt Bypass, between the Castledawson roundabout and the Aughrim Road, at approximately 10.45am on Wednesday 14 November.
Magherafelt Bypass Closed Due To Security Alert
A Magherafelt security alert is ongoing, with police currently at the scene, following the discovery of a suspicious object in the area. The discovery was made on the A31 Magherafelt Bypass, between the Castledawson roundabout and the Aughrim Road, at approximately 10.45am on Wednesday 14 November.
15 February 2024
Geothermal Energy Roadshow To Visit Towns Across NI
An interactive mobile discovery centre designed to help visitors 'unearth the heat beneath their feet' is set to visit towns across Northern Ireland as part of a geothermal energy information roadshow.
Geothermal Energy Roadshow To Visit Towns Across NI
An interactive mobile discovery centre designed to help visitors 'unearth the heat beneath their feet' is set to visit towns across Northern Ireland as part of a geothermal energy information roadshow.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
