Archaeological excavations are to take place along proposed motorway routes in Co Laois, it emerged today.
The National Roads Authority (NRA) said test trenching along the M7 and M8 motorway had identified a number of sites but "nothing of any exceptional significance" had yet been found.
"We are at a relatively early stage," said Michael Egan of the NRA.
The sites, which may be of interest historically, are believed to be located close to Cullahill and Clonadacasey near Portlaoise.
