A MAJOR rescue plan has been put in place to prevent the centuries old high crosses in Monasterboice from crumbling away.

Experts are considering numerous options in relation to saving the three crosses, recognised as the best in Europe for their period, including moving the crosses to a secure location.

They could also be covered from the elements in high glass cases, a project that could take up to 20 years to complete.

'Every aspect of how best to secure the crosses is being considered,' stated archaeologist Margaret Gowen who is part of the Monasterboice project. 'We have to try and halt the deterioration and that will come in stages.'

The crosses have been described as 'astonishing' by well-known film maker Rob Vance who will feature them on the latest 'Secrets of the Stones' series for RTE.

'I think it's agreed that the crosses at Monasterboice are astonishing works of art, probably the finest being produced in Europe at that time. The carver was a genius,' he added.

One of the main problems with Monasterboice is traffic and the area simply can't handle large volumes of tourists.

'The site cannot be promoted for tourism on a great scale at the moment, that's one thing we know.

'It just can't cope with big numbers,' Margaret Gowen added. 'Certainly the traffic situation presents a far greater impact than I had imagined.'

- HUBERT MURPHY