A 60cm (2ft) time capsule thought to date back to the mid- 1920s, which was discovered during restoration work in Glasnevin cemetery in Dublin last week, may be reinterred without being opened.
However, a decision may also be taken to open the lead capsule to examine the condition of its contents before it is replaced.
Its future is being discussed by authorities including the Dublin Cemeteries Committee, the National Museum and the Office of Public Works. It is believed that despite its age, it may have been interred too recently to merit being opened at this stage.
The capsule was discovered during the deconstruction of the 1916 Sigerson Memorial on Wednesday.
The Dublin Cemeteries Committee, which oversees the operation of Glasnevin cemetery, was undertaking restoration work on the monument as part of the first phase of a 10-year restoration plan for the cemetery.
George McCullough, chief executive of the committee, told The Irish Timesyesterday that there was no reference to the time capsule in the blueprint for the monument or in other associated records.