A senior archaeologist will begin a three week survey in the village today, in order to determine whether artifacts found in the Creaden area place it as one of the oldest settlements in Ireland.

Thousands of pieces of flint have been discovered there in recent years.

Sinn Féin Councillor for the area Jim Griffin said he believes a historical trail can be based around the findings.

“The tourist offering – the people that’s tapping into – will come in campers, they’ll stay in B & B’s just to do our trail,” he said. “That trail can start at Reginald’s Tower and it can go right up to the Copper Coast.”

Cllr. Griffin says it could help revive fishing communities across east Waterford.

“We’re trying to find another offering for fishermen that are losing their traditional rights,” he said.

“If this opened another offering for those men, be it bringing them along in their boats, helping them become tour guides. It’d be another way if bringing in income for families.”