Published Monday, 30 July 2012
Construction traffic will be banned as the site is excavated (© Getty)
Environment Minister Alex Attwood described the crannog in Enniskillen as a "gem of archaeology" which he wants to fully excavate and record.
He said construction traffic in the surrounding area will be banned to help protect it.
"Today I spent a few hours at the crannog in Enniskillen and it is a wonderful site, full of our history and precious archaeology," said the SDLP minister, after his visit on Monday.
"That is why I instructed that a no-go zone be created around the site, with a ban on any construction traffic passing near or close to the crannog to protect the asset.
"As one of the very few to be excavated, I wish to deploy appropriate resources to fully excavate and record this gem of archaeology.
"If the crannog cannot now be saved, I will work to have a maximum excavation and record strategy going forward."
Mr Attwood said he wants an independent review of the site.
He hopes it can help ensure that other known and unknown historical areas are preserved.
"There are clearly other and wider issues," the minister continued.
"I will appoint an independent person or persons to review the full story of this site, including how the current situation developed.
"Indeed, with major road developments in the pipeline, how known and unknown heritage sites are protected is an issue that I will be robustly interrogating."
Mr Attwood said he has requested a report by Wednesday on what further time, staff and resources may be needed to fully excavate the crannog.