IT should be opening its doors next summer to another futuristic phase of Scotch Hall. Instead work at the South Bank development has ground to a halt as almost 30 human remains dating back to the 18th century have been exhumed in the past few weeks, buried in what appears to be a previously undocumented settlement.

28 skeletons have been recovered to the south of a medieval complex, behind the houses fronting the Marsh Road.

Sources say 'there appear to be many more remains, but they just can't access them as yet'.

In what has been described as ' a find of major significance', walls have been found dating to the 13th century, located to the east of the known limits of Drogheda's medieval town walls, at a depth of 2-3m below present ground levels.

Preliminary research and discussions with the National Monuments Service archaeologists suggests that there are no known references to these structures and as such they appear to be new to the archaeological record of the town.

'This appears to be a very important find for the archaeologists,' says Gerry Hand, architect with Douglas Wallace.

'The structures as they currently exist comprise a substantial east-west orientated stone wall, approximately 50m in length, standing 1m high in places and on average 1.8m thick, however the majority of this wall has been 'robbed out' in antiquity.

'A series of northsouth orientated walls run perpendicular to this main wall on its northern side and extend toward the river – most of these walls have been truncated by basements dating to the 20th century.

'All of these walls are built directly onto river silts and appear to be focused on the river. At this stage, it is reasonable to suggest that this complex of walls may represent the remains of a dock or quayside.'

Commenting on the file, a spokesperson for Edward Holdings said: 'Developments at Scotch Hall phase two are progressing slower than initially anticipated.

'Despite this negotiations with future potential tenants are active and ongoing'.

Detailed research and post-excavation works are underway and it is hoped this work will shed more light on the origin and function of the site. However, according to experts, there is no indication this was a formal burial ground, leading to speculation as to cause of death.

The archaeologists who have recorded the remains will be in attendance at the upcoming conference dealing with archaeological excavations in the town over the past three decades and it is hoped the combined expertise will answer some long-buried questions.

- ALISON COMYN