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The absence of a regional or national archive for archaeological records has long been identified as a significant problem for the long-term security and preservation of archaeological information and for the accessibility of records for research purposes. It is especially pressing because, for various reasons, many important excavations remain unpublished with the exception of the summaries in Excavations and, in some cases, the archives are not accessible to scholars whilst others are at risk of loss or destruction. This issue was highlighted in the conclusions of the Archaeology 2020 foresight report and is acknowledged by the Institute of Archaeologists of Ireland, the Heritage Council, and is currently the focus of review within the National Monuments and Architectural Protection Division at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

Margaret Gowen & Co. Ltd., in conjunction with Archivist Orna Somerville, have progressed the project with the significant assistance and input from the project steering group headed by the City Archaeologist and Heritage Office of Dublin City Council, and including the City Archives, the Heritage Council, the National Museum of Ireland, the National Archives, the National Monuments and Architectural Protection Division at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the Institute of Archaeologists of Ireland.

Project Aim and Methodology
The study was commissioned out of a specific objective included in the current Dublin City Development Plan 2005 – 2011 (Objective H21, p.80). The aim of the project is to explore the potential for a local solution to what is a recognised national issue. In the absence of a national strategy, the initiative constitutes the first step towards the development of standards and facilities for the archiving of primary archaeological records in the Republic of Ireland at local level.

The aims of project are:

• To explore a local strategy for the long-term storage of archaeological site archives for Dublin City
• To provide guidelines for archaeologists depositing material with Dublin City Library and Archives that meet international best practice
  

The following were undertaken:

• A review of national and international practice regarding the archiving and curation of archaeological excavation archives to identify best practice
• A case study, in which archaeological archives were prepared with the advice of a qualified archivist for accession to Dublin City Library and Archives in order to establish the type and standard of archives acceptable for submission to Dublin City Library and Archives
• Consultation with key stakeholders, notably the statutory authorities for archaeology, archaeological licensees, archaeological consultancies, archivists, third level institutions and archaeological researchers. This process is ongoing.

• Archives can be accessioned to Dublin City Archives by formal agreement
• Archives will be stored in accordance with international archival standards
• Dublin City Council intends to circulate a guidance document and checklist to aid archaeologists in preparing archives for accession
• Archaeological archives will be accessible,
Intellectual copyright will be protected

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