After waiting more than 50 years for a sewerage system, the village of Carlingford in Co Louth has had to suffer further delays in the completion of the project. In recent weeks archaeologists consulted on the £3.5 million scheme have unearthed evidence that the village was once a major port trading with France.
An archaeologist, Mr Dermot Moore, said: "Earlier this week we found what we believe to be a toll gate dating from the 15th century where people coming to trade in the market would pay a toll before being allowed in. We only began to dig here this week. Before this we found one of the original town walls as well as bits of French Saintonge pottery dating from the 13th century. The complete originals of them are in the National Museum."
Carlingford is a preserved heritage village. Like many Border villages it has had a tourism boost because of the peace process with tourists no longer afraid to put the area on their list of places to visit.
A local councillor, Mr Terry Brennan, said: "Plans for this sewerage scheme were first drawn up in 1942. It was listed and then not listed for funds and eventually it has been given the money needed."
Some traders are concerned at the impact on business the pipe laying will have when work gets under way.