Locals in Swords have been left outraged after a recently discovered historical well has been covered up to allow for the construction of a cultural quarter.

The discovery of the well, believed to be from medieval times, was made during preparation and archaeological works for the new Swords cultural quarter. But it has emerged that there was no consultation with local groups, representatives or historical societies.

Sinn Fein's Ann Graves, a councillor on Fingal County Council, said the issue would have gone "unnoticed" were it not for the public raising of the issue. The council said it would review the steps that needed to be taken - but locals claim it was already covered before any official statement was made.

She said: "We were advised that the stones from both had been removed, numbered and are being stored by the council with a view to incorporating them into the SCQ - this was all overseen and agreed by the county archaeologist.

Read more: Demolition underway as brand new €26m Cultural Quarter being built in Dublin

"I noted a map sent to me from 1829/34 which showed structures so they couldn’t have been surprised at their existence. They have filled in the bed of the wells with concrete - apparently as they were 2.5m in height and wide they couldn’t be incorporated into the building without a redesign, they were in the way or the foundations and are too high to place between floors to put in the glass floor i’d suggested to make a feature.

"They will include them in the SCQ in a different area and I’ve asked that local interest groups be included. This is really disappointing- we did get an apology for lack of consultation - it was holiday period etc. They have taken 3D visualisations which will be on show in the SCQ but the wells are gone… to be relocated in future! Big loss and the damage can’t be undone.

"If it wasn’t for those who shared the images and info this would have passed us by unnoticed so a huge thank you."

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