Paupers' graves found at school site

Ms Ruane said archaeologists were at the site

The discovery of paupers' graves in County Down has delayed the construction of a new school.

Minister of Education Caitríona Ruane said archaeologists had been called in to do trial excavations at the site at Strangford Road, Downpatrick.

Human remains were found at the scene and a decision was taken to leave them where they were.

The archaeologists are due to report on the find and a decision on the fate of the remains will be taken.

DUP assembly member Jim Wells said people knew that the graves were in that area.

But many believed that the bodies had been disinterred in 1913. Tests later proved that was not the case.

He claimed this was yet another delay in plans to build a new school.

"Why was this work not done two years ago?" he asked. "People knew about the graves and I wonder why they did not start excavations sooner."

Mr Wells said 1,100 students were taught at Down High and urgently needed a new school.

In a written answer to the DUP, the Department of Education said the South Eastern Education and Library Board was awaiting a report on the graves. It is hoping to lodge a planning application in a few weeks' time.