Newly discovered 2000-year-old ruins at the Hill of Tara must be fully preserved because of their unique size and character, a US academic today said.
State archaeologists began excavation work on the prehistoric Lismullen structure earlier this month, claiming it was under threat from adverse weather.
Dr Ronald Hicks of Ball State University, Indiana, argues it is part of a larger ancient ritual complex and must be preserved in situ. He contends Lismullen is comparable to ceremonial enclosures found at Tara and other royal sites in Ireland, but is twice as large as any other.
Dr Hicks previously endorsed the nomination of Tara to the World Monuments Fund List and issued an earlier report about the area's archaeological significance.
Controversy has surrounded the Lismullen site since the ruins were uncovered by workers during construction work on the controversial M3 motorway last April.
TaraWatch, which is demanding the site be preserved, has called on the Government to halt excavation until An Bord Pleanála rules if a fresh planning application for the road project is needed in light of the find.
The site's discovery came just a day after the-then transport minister Martin Cullen turned the sod on the €850 million road project. The discovery was granted National Monument status, and all works were halted at the site.
In one of his final acts of office, former environment minister Dick Roche signed an order of preservation by record, meaning the prehistoric henge would be photographed, sketched and measured before being levelled to make way for the motorway.
Minister for the Environment John Gormley maintains he does not have the authority to revoke his predecessor's decision without a material change in circumstance.