underwater archaeological impact assessment of
TRANSCRIPT
UNDERWATER ARCHAEOLOGICAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT
OF
PROPOSED OUTFALL
AT SOUTH QUAYS, DROGHEDA, CO. LOUTH
ON BEHALF OF
IRISH ARCHEOLOGICAL CONSULTANCY LTD (IAC)
Moore Marine
Job Number: M09LH02
Licence Number: 0967, 09173
Author: Eoghan Kieran & Benen Hayden
Date: September 2009
TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 SCOPE OF WORKS ..........................................................................................................................1
1.1 Introduction..................................................................................................................................1 1.2 Purpose of the Project ..................................................................................................................1
2 CHARACTERISTICS OF THE PROJECT ...............................................................................................2 2.1 Description of the Project.............................................................................................................2 2.2 Site Layout/Location details .........................................................................................................4
3 DESCRIPTION OF THE EXISTING ENVIRONMENT.............................................................................4 3.1 Solid Geology ................................................................................................................................4
4 ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL BACKGROUND ......................................................................4 4.1 Mesolithic Period..........................................................................................................................4 4.2 Neolithic Period ............................................................................................................................5 4.3 The Bronze Age.............................................................................................................................5 4.4 The Iron Age/Early Historic Period ...............................................................................................6 4.5 Later Historic Period .....................................................................................................................8 4.6 Post Medieval Drogheda ............................................................................................................10 4.7 Marsh Road : 20th Century.........................................................................................................15 4.8 Site Specific Background.............................................................................................................15
4.8.1 South Quays, Drogheda ......................................................................................................15 5 BASELINE DATA............................................................................................................................17
5.1 Register of Monuments and Places ............................................................................................17 5.2 Topographical Files of the National Museum of Ireland ............................................................22 5.3 Previous archaeological fieldwork in the area............................................................................23 5.4 Place-name evidence..................................................................................................................28 5.5 Aerial photographs .....................................................................................................................28 5.6 Record of Protected Structures ..................................................................................................28 5.7 Ports and Harbours Archive........................................................................................................29 5.8 National Shipwreck Inventory ....................................................................................................29 5.9 Cartographic Sources..................................................................................................................31
5.9.1 1st Edition Ordnance Survey ...............................................................................................31 5.9.2 2nd Edition Ordnance Survey...............................................................................................32
6 UNDERWATER ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVEY ..................................................................................33 6.1 Field Survey Methodology and Strategy.....................................................................................33 6.2 Site Conditions............................................................................................................................33 6.3 Site Survey ..................................................................................................................................33 6.4 Results ........................................................................................................................................40
7 DISCUSSION & RECOMMENDATIONS...........................................................................................40 7.1 Discussion ...................................................................................................................................40
7.1.1 The Development Area.......................................................................................................40 7.2 Assessment of Potential Impacts................................................................................................40 7.3 Recommendations......................................................................................................................41
APPENDIX 1 BIBLIOGRAPHY ..........................................................................................................42 APPENDIX 2 LEGISLATIVE BACKGROUND ......................................................................................43 APPENDIX 3 IMPACT ASSESSMENT & THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCE .....................................46
TABLE OF FIGURES
Figure 1. Extract from Discovery Series Map # 43 showing site location highlighted in magenta .........2 Figure 2. Overall development plan .......................................................................................................3 Figure 3. Cross section of outfall ............................................................................................................3 Figure 4. Extract from Ravell's map of Drogheda (1749)........................................................................8 Figure 5. Overseas trade of Drogheda 13th-15th centuries .................................................................12 Figure 6. Extract from RMP Maps (LH:024) with site location highlighted in magenta........................17 Figure 7. Extract from RMP Maps [online], RMP sites are highlighted in red and the site location in
magenta..................................................................................................................................18 Figure 8. Extract from First Edition Ordnance Survey Map, surveyed Jan 1836...................................31 Figure 9. Extract from 2nd Edition Ordnance Survey Map, 1909...........................................................32
TABLE OF PLATES
Plate 1. Painting by Van der Hagen c.1718 depicting Drogheda with its fortification........................10 Plate 2. Dugout boat under excavation discovered on a river bank site on Marsh Road...................11 Plate 3. St. Mary’s Mill ........................................................................................................................13 Plate 4. Photograph depicting late 19th century riverbank downstream of development site .........15 Plate 5. Aerial image of New South Quays with survey area highlighted in magenta........................28 Plate 6. River revetment wall ..............................................................................................................35 Plate 7. Masonry dump area to the east of outfall location................................................................36 Plate 8. View of intertidal shore at outfall location, looking west.......................................................36 Plate 9. View of survey area looking west ..........................................................................................37 Plate 10. Metals noted on foreshore.....................................................................................................37 Plate 11. Metal hoop noted on foreshore .............................................................................................38 Plate 12. Stony foreshore ......................................................................................................................38 Plate 13. More foreshore metals...........................................................................................................39 Plate 14. Diver survey in progress .........................................................................................................39
TABLE OF TABLES Table 1. Location details ........................................................................................................................4
NON TECHNICAL SUMMARY
Moore Marine Services Ltd. was commissioned
by Irish Archaeological Consultancy to carry out
an underwater archaeological impact
assessment of a proposed outfall at New South
Quays, Drogheda, Co. Louth.
The assessment took place on 9th September
2009 under Dive Licence 09D67, 09R173.
Water flow at the time of the survey was
moderate with very poor visibility. The
maximum recorded water depth was 4.1m.
The underwater archaeological assessment was
commissioned in order to locate, define and
ascertain the character, condition and extent of
any archaeological features, deposits or
objects, which may be affected by the
development.
Drogheda has a rich archaeological and
historical heritage and desktop analysis of the
historical and archaeological background to the
site recorded that the proposed outfall site was
on the border of the historic town of Drogheda
and was within half of a kilometre of a number
of RMP sites. Desktop analysis also recorded
that there has been no previous archaeological
survey undertaken on the site. There were a
number of listed buildings in the vicinity but
none on the site itself. Assessment of
cartographic sources revealed that the subject
site was an intertidal mud flat up until the late
19th century, when St. Mary’s Mill was
constructed on the site. The construction of
this facility, reclaimed much of the previous
foreshore and constructed a riverfront wall at
the site.
The site survey recorded that whilst there was
a considerable amount of metallic and masonry
debris noted on the foreshore, none of this
appeared to be archaeological. In addition, a
considerable amount of material was noted in
the underwater zone. The range of material in
this area varied hugely and although all the
visible and detectable material was modern,
there was potential for this area to contain
buried archaeological artefacts.
Based on this assessment, it was subsequently
recommended that:
1. All invasive groundworks associated
with the outfall construction be
monitored by an archaeologist.
2. If possible, all excavated material
should be metal detected for the
presence of previously unrecorded
archaeological artefacts.
.
M09LH02 New South Quays, Co. Meath September 2009
MOORE MARINE Ltd. – Archaeological, Environmental, Oceanographic and Geophysical Page 1
1 SCOPE OF WORKS
1.1 Introduction
Moore Marine Ltd. was commissioned by Irish Archaeological Consultancy (IAC) to carry out an
underwater archaeological impact assessment of a proposed outfall at the New South Quays, Drogheda,
Co. Meath.
This assessment addresses the location, nature, character, condition and extent of any cultural heritage
which may be affected by the proposed outfall and assesses the likelihood of the project impacting
previously unrecorded archaeological deposits or features. The following report documents the
proposed project, the existing environment at the site, survey methodologies, results of the surveys,
potential impacts and subsequent recommendations.
1.2 Purpose of the Project
The aim of the underwater archaeological impact assessment was to:
• Ascertain the character, condition and extent of any archaeological areas, features or objects
likely to be affected by the proposed works, including any associated temporary works and to
ascertain the potential impact of the works on archaeological remains outside the immediate
area of the proposed works as these may be vulnerable to impacts arising from consequent
changes in hydrology and sediment formation
• Accurately locate these archaeological areas, features and objects and present the findings in
map form
• Describe same and discuss their likely provenance
• Ascertain the potential impact of the proposed works on these remains
• Recommend appropriate measures for the avoidance of these remains or, where this cannot be
achieved, to recommend measures to mitigate the impact of the works
• Incorporate all the above into a report
M09LH02 New South Quays, Co. Meath September 2009
MOORE MARINE Ltd. – Archaeological, Environmental, Oceanographic and Geophysical Page 2
Figure 1. Extract from Discovery Series Map # 43 showing site location highlighted in magenta
2 CHARACTERISTICS OF THE PROJECT
2.1 Description of the Project
The subject site is located on the County Meath side of Drogheda Town on the south bank of the River
Boyne. The site is situated north of the Dublin road and east of the Scotch Hall development in an area
known as the New South Quays (Figure 2). The proposed outfall pipe is associated with a larger mixed
use development which is currently being constructed at an adjacent site. The proposed pipe will impact
an 18m³ area of foreshore at the site of an existing outfall (Figures 2 & 3).
M09LH02 New South Quays, Co. Meath September 2009
MOORE MARINE Ltd. – Archaeological, Environmental, Oceanographic and Geophysical Page 3
Figure 2. Overall development plan
Figure 3. Cross section of outfall
M09LH02 New South Quays, Co. Meath September 2009
MOORE MARINE Ltd. – Archaeological, Environmental, Oceanographic and Geophysical Page 4
2.2 Site Layout/Location details
County Louth
Townland Yellowbatter
OS Sheet number 043
RMP number N/A
NGR 309472, 275173
Height +/- 10m O.D
Table 1. Location details
3 DESCRIPTION OF THE EXISTING ENVIRONMENT
3.1 Solid Geology
The Geological Survey of Ireland classifies the solid geology surrounding Drogheda as consisting of
Dinantian limestone.
3.2 Soil Type
The Geological Survey of Ireland classifies the soil in the area as being made up of glacial gravels and
boulder clays.
3.3 Landscape
This section of the River Boyne is located between the Marsh Road and the North Quays to the east of
Drogheda town centre, Co. Louth. The surrounding landscape is made up of predominantly commercial
units, including the large Scotch Hall development located to the west of the subject site.
4 ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
The following data was collected by Moore Marine. It indicated that the study area is located within a
very rich archaeological landscape.
4.1 Mesolithic Period
The Mesolithic (middle stone age) people were the first inhabitants of Ireland, arriving about 9000 years
ago. They were a mobile society relying on wild resources for food, which was hunted and gathered using
stone tools as well as boats, nets and traps. Settlement was in temporary and semi permanent groups of
huts constructed of wood slung with hide, which may have operated as seasonal or hunting camps.
M09LH02 New South Quays, Co. Meath September 2009
MOORE MARINE Ltd. – Archaeological, Environmental, Oceanographic and Geophysical Page 5
The earliest evidence for man in Ireland comes from the gravel quarries at Mell, immediately north of
the town, where a Palaeolithic flint flake circa 100,000 BC was discovered. This flake may not have
originated in the area however and was most likely transported with the gravels in which it was found
from somewhere in the Irish basin. Mesolithic evidence is the form of flint objects on the coast of
Clogherhead and near the Boyne at Newgrange, Co. Meath.
4.2 Neolithic Period
Farming was first adopted in the Middle East but spread gradually across Europe in succeeding centuries,
arriving in Ireland about 4000 BC. Tending of crops and animals required a more sedentary lifestyle and
larger permanent settlements were built. The megalithic (from the Greek mega – large and lithos –
stone) monuments of the Neolithic people built as communal tombs or for ceremonial purposes, are
relatively common in the landscape. New methods were adopted for shaping stone tools and the first
long distance trade networks were established.
The arrival of farming commences an unbroken chain of settlement that has continued until the present
day in the Drogheda area. The Boyne valley was one of the most intensively utilised areas in Neolithic
times and the river would have acted as a prominent routeway. Neolithic occupation sites have been
discovered overlooking the river at Knowth and Townleyhill. However burial mounds are the key to our
understanding of the scale of the Neolithic community in the area. The great cemeteries of Newgrange,
Knowth and Dowth were constructed in the third millennium. It has been said that Millmount is a
passage tomb adapted into a motte but there is no evidence to prove this. However two polished stone
axes of Neolithic date have been found in the vicinity. As Bradley states, “while single objects such as
these do not indicate a settlement it would suggest that that site of Drogheda was known to Neolithic
man”, (Bradley, 1989). It has also been suggested that it may have been a fording point at this time.
4.3 The Bronze Age
As stone tools were replaced by the use of copper, later combined with tin to make bronze, the structure
of society also changed over centuries. While some communal megalithic monuments, particularly
wedge tombs continued to be used, the Bronze Age is characterised by a movement towards single burial
and the production of prestige items and weapons, suggesting that society was increasingly stratified
and warlike.
As stone tools were replaced by the use of copper, later combined with tin to make bronze, the
structure of society also changed over centuries. While some communal megalithic monuments,
particularly wedge tombs continued to be used, the Bronze Age is characterised by a movement
towards single burial and the production of prestige items and weapons, suggesting that society was
increasingly stratified and warlike.
M09LH02 New South Quays, Co. Meath September 2009
MOORE MARINE Ltd. – Archaeological, Environmental, Oceanographic and Geophysical Page 6
Greater settlement activity is evident in the vicinity during the early Bronze Age. Beaker settlement and
activity dated to circa 2000BC and the centuries following have been discovered at Knowth, Newgrange
and Monknewtown. Over 150 ceramic urns have been found in the past century at the Hill of Rath,
including Encrusted Urns, Cordoned Urns, Pygmy cups and Food Vessels suggesting the burial site was in
use from 1800 BC to 140BC. Bronze Age cist burials are known from Oldbridge and Monasterboice.
Within the Drogheda area five bronze flat axeheads of Early Bronze Age date have been found. During
the Late Bronze Age little is known of settlement in the area, but stray finds of this period have been
discovered including a bronze socketed axehead (NMI: E92:384), a bronze sword dating to c.700BC, and
a piece of gold ring money. These finds are sufficient to show that the area in the vicinity of Drogheda
was occupied during the Bronze Age and that the site itself was frequented (Bradley, 1989).
Fulachtaí fia are common in Co. Louth and also date from the Bronze Age. These enigmatic features are
amongst the most common archaeological site in Ireland. They are often recognised as horseshoe or
oval shaped mounds which on excavation are found to consist of burnt material, ash and shattered
stone. In the centre a wooden trough will sometimes survive possible lined with clay or leather and one
or more hearths may be present in the immediate area. Fulachtaí fia are almost always found in marshy
areas or by a stream and it is thought that their location was chosen to allow the trough to be filled with
water.
4.4 The Iron Age/Early Historic Period
In late Bronze Age Ireland the use of the metal reached a high point with the production of high quality
decorated weapons, ornament and instruments, often discovered from hoards or ritual deposits. The Iron
Age however is known as a ‘dark age’ in Irish prehistory. Iron objects are found rarely, but there is no
evidence for the warrior culture of the rest of Europe, although the distinctive La Tène style of art with
animal motifs and spirals was adopted. Life in Iron Age in Ireland seems to have been much as it was in
the early historic period – mixed farmers living in or around small defended settlements known as
ringforts or stone cashels.
Evidence for settlement in the area during the Iron Age is slight by comparison with that from the
Neolithic and early Bronze Age but numbers of sub Roman objects were found at Newgrange and
Knowth. At Knowth there is also evidence of a defended settlement and a cemetery dating from the first
centuries AD. In general there is evidence to show that the vicinity of Drogheda was well explored and
settled at various periods of prehistory. There are no indications of occupation on the site of Drogheda
town during prehistoric times but it may have been a fording point across the river estuary (Bradley,
1989). Considerable evidence has been found by contrast with the prehistoric period, mostly from
settlement sites. A number of ringforts are known both north and south of the town. Souterrains are
evident at Mell. Long term settlement occupation is evident at Knowth and the large monastic sites of
M09LH02 New South Quays, Co. Meath September 2009
MOORE MARINE Ltd. – Archaeological, Environmental, Oceanographic and Geophysical Page 7
Monasterboice, Duleek, Slane and Termonfeckin. From this we can depict a clear stabilisation in the
settlement pattern (Bradley, 1989). With the establishment of Mellifont in 1142 large tracts of land
between Slane and Drogheda disrupted the previous settlement landscape. The Anglo Normans arrived
and founded Drogheda in the 1170’s in an area that had undergone considerable changes in the
settlement pattern. Excavations have shown that during the Early Historic Period the area was wealthy
with stray finds within the town, such as two penannular brooches, now in the British Museum. A
double spiral headed pin, 7th-8th century in date and at least five bronze stick pins (10th – 12th century)
have been found. Most of these objects were found during dredging of the Boyne. The beginnings of
Drogheda as a town commence in the last quarter of the 12th century and it is in the period that the
townscape owes much of its form. The street pattern and boundaries were laid out and the town walls
and churches were built. Documentary sources for the history of Drogheda begin to occur and in
conjunction with the archaeological record aid the reconstruction of the town’s history and growth.
M09LH02 New South Quays, Co. Meath September 2009
MOORE MARINE Ltd. – Archaeological, Environmental, Oceanographic and Geophysical Page 8
4.5 Later Historic Period
Figure 4. Extract from Ravell's map of Drogheda (1749)
Drogheda first appears in the annals in 1157. There is no evidence for any settlement here prior to the
coming of the Normans even though Viking ships were said to be docked in the river. The foundation of
Drogheda as a prosperous town lay in its strategic position astride the Boyne. It offered vital shipping
and trading routes since it is located five miles from the open sea and the Boyne is navigable for twenty
miles inland. This meant that seagoing vessels could dock in Drogheda. Such proximity to the coast,
allowed Drogheda an ideal defensive location. Since its origins Drogheda was made up of two separate
towns on opposite sides of the Boyne which also marked the border between the provinces Meath and
Ulster. Drogheda in Louth on the north bank of the river was, according to Bradley, probably in existence
M09LH02 New South Quays, Co. Meath September 2009
MOORE MARINE Ltd. – Archaeological, Environmental, Oceanographic and Geophysical Page 9
before the end of the 12th century with St. Peter’s church being founded before 1186 on the north side,
and with the principle street axis established before 1215 (Bradley, 1978). The urban settlement on the
south bank of the river is much smaller, probably due to restrictions placed on house construction by
the high rising scarp. This afforded the south side of the river defensive advantages and the earliest
archaeological feature is the Millmount Motte also established here.
Drogheda became one of the most important ports in the country during the medieval period. Drogheda
also possesses one of the most extensive series of murage grants for any Irish town with at least 13
grants spanning the years between 1234 and 1424. The murage grants basically consisted of a licence to
levy a toll upon goods coming into the town and the money thus gathered at the gates was used to
construct and repair the wall. The prosperity of medieval Drogheda can be seen in these town walls and
fortifications built around the town between 1234 and 1334, enclosing an area of 113 acres.
Archaeological discoveries of the 1970’s show the original fortifications to consist of a ditch and an
earthen bank with wooden palisades on top. With a circumference of one and a half miles the walled
city of Drogheda was twice the size of medieval walled Dublin (O’ Connor, 89). The archaeological
remains of medieval Drogheda are fairly extensive and include ruins of the Hospital of St. Mary D’Urso;
the Tower of St. Magdalene on the site of the Dominican Friary; the Tholsel at the junction of West
Street and Shop Street; the Barbican of St. Laurence at the east end of the same street; the Motte at
Millmount and fragments of the town wall. Archaeological excavation has uncovered the remains of St.
Catherine’s Gate at the Mall, a 12th century stone building at the corner of Shop Street and Dyer Street,
remains of a medieval river wall, a wooden quay side on the south of Dyer Street, a wooden revetment
at the south end of Shop Street, burgage plots and stone-lined pits at John Street.
In 1228, the two divisions of the town received separate incorporation from Henry III. As a result strong
feelings of hostility between the northern and southern towns and consequently, trading vessels landed
their cargoes in the southern town, to avoid the pontage duty levied in the northern town. At length,
after much blood had been shed in the dispute, Philip Bennett, a monk residing in the town, succeeded
in persuading the authorities of the two corporations to send to Henry IV for a new charter sanctioning
their combination, and this was granted on the 1st of November 1412.
M09LH02 New South Quays, Co. Meath September 2009
MOORE MARINE Ltd. – Archaeological, Environmental, Oceanographic and Geophysical Page 10
Plate 1. Painting by Van der Hagen c.1718 depicting Drogheda with its fortification
In the civil wars of 1641, Drogheda was besieged by O'Neal and the Northern Irish forces but was
successfully defended by Sir Henry Tichbourne and after a long blockade was relieved by the Marquess
of Ormond. The same nobleman relieved it a second time, when it was invested by the Parliamentary
army under Colonel Jones. In 1649 it was captured by Cromwell after a short defence. The days
following Cromwell’s siege were one of Drogheda’s darkest, when 2000 of the defenders were
butchered. Only thirty escaped, who were afterwards transported as slaves to Barbados. In 1690 the
town was garrisoned by King James's army; but after the decisive battle of the Boyne it surrendered to
the conqueror William of Orange without a struggle. Although it is clear that suburbs existed on the
north and east sides of the town during the 14th century it is not known if these continued as occupied
areas into the 15th and 16th centuries or were deserted.
4.6 Post Medieval Drogheda
The town does not seem to have expanded outside the town walls until the 17th century when the
dock’s area east of St. Lawrence’s Gate would appear to have been reclaimed. Neither the plans of
Goche and Newcomen nor the views of Place depict suburbs and it is not until the 18th century that
these suburbs reappear. Excavations at Shop St on the northern side of the river, demonstrated that
deposits survive to a depth of over 3 metres. Bradley suggests that deposits survive better in low ground
near the river rather than on the sloping ground (Bradley, 1989). It was not until the 20th century and
M09LH02 New South Quays, Co. Meath September 2009
MOORE MARINE Ltd. – Archaeological, Environmental, Oceanographic and Geophysical Page 11
the construction of modern housing estates that the suburban areas outside of the historic core began
to be built up.
Drogheda town was an industrial centre and the home of specialist craftsmen. The quay in front of St.
Saviour’s Church, immediately west of the bridge on the north side of the Boyne is first referred to in
1218. In 1306 the burgesses petitioned the King for permission to build a quay outside the precinct of
the Franciscan Friary on the east side of the bridge. In 1340 the burgesses received a grant of quayage
which was to be expended on repairing the quays and towers of the town wall (Bradley, 1989). In 1981,
a number of timbers were salvaged from the quayside on the south side of the Boyne, once part of a
front braced vertical waterfront, a type characteristic of North West Europe. Dendrochronological
dating gave a 1200 AD date, providing evidence for the town’s earliest quayside.
Plate 2. Dugout boat under excavation discovered on a river bank site on Marsh Road
The Patent Rolls record King Edward’s orders for two galleys to be built in Drogheda during the 13th
century. Taxes imposed on ship building materials in a murage grant suggests that the industry was in
operation on the south side in 1296, “large boards, masts, rigging ropes and canvas for ships were
subject to tax” (Mc Evoy, 27; O’ Connor, 90). Bradley also states the location of boat yards on the south
side of the town is supported with archaeological evidence (Bradley in O’ Connor, 90). An early 14th
century poem also indicates that Drogheda was also a centre for rope-making and shipbuilding,
(Bradley, 1978). At the close of the 13th century the royal armies of Scotland, Wales and Gascony were
supplied with wheat, oats, flour and victuals from Drogheda. Animals, corn, hides, wool and fish were
also exported during the 13th – 15th centuries. Drogheda was the centre of a sizeable Irish trade also,
(O’ Connor, 90). The murage grants indicate that oxen, horses, sheep, pigs, wheat, rye, barley, oats,
butter, cheese, apples, salmon, eels and seafish were marketed in the town. Throughout the medieval
period Drogheda was an important port, utilising its estuarine location to full potential. According to the
customs returns of 1276-1333, it was the fourth largest port in Ireland, handling a greater trade than
M09LH02 New South Quays, Co. Meath September 2009
MOORE MARINE Ltd. – Archaeological, Environmental, Oceanographic and Geophysical Page 12
Dublin, Galway or Limerick. Cloth was manufactured in Dyer St., leather working, skinners and butchers
are attested in the 13th – 14th centuries.
Figure 5. Overseas trade of Drogheda 13th-15th centuries
The navigation of the Boyne between Drogheda and the sea began in 1761 by Thomas Omer and this led
to the issue of stock by the Boyne Navigation Company in 1789 of a canal upriver to Navan. An iron
foundry and breweries were soon founded on the South Quays. The textile industry was by far the most
important industry in the town between 1780 and 1820. It was the leading factor in the growth in size
and wealth of Drogheda in the late eighteenth century. Industrialisation in the early 19th century drew
Drogheda ever more firmly into the wider economy. A gas works was set up as early as 1832 and the
Drogheda-Dublin railway connected the town to the capital in 1844. A large pool of skilled labour,
especially weavers, became available. Archaeological evidence of the textile manufacturing is scarce,
however Bradley suggests that “the water logged soils adjoining the River Boyne contains organic
deposits which will yield an answer to questions such as this” (Bradley, 1989). By the 1850's five linen
mills were in operation and local entrepreneurs had developed larger and more efficient units of
production in numerous small industries, such as shoe making, milling, brewing and distilling. The
M09LH02 New South Quays, Co. Meath September 2009
MOORE MARINE Ltd. – Archaeological, Environmental, Oceanographic and Geophysical Page 13
foundry and engineering works of Thomas Grendon and Son, the Drogheda Chemical Manures Co,
Frederick Smyth's shipyard, McCann and Hill's flour mills and the Drogheda Oatmeal Company were all
important sources of employment. It was during this time, 1851-1855, that the Dublin – Drogheda
railway line was built including the viaduct spanning the Boyne.
Along the Marsh Road mudflats fringed the river, hence it was shallower and wider that at present.
Today the mudflats or slob-lands are still evident at Queensboro and Baltray and bordering the
Mornington Road. The quays were constructed along the shoreline to confine the course of the river
into a much narrower and deeper channel, scouring it and facilitating the passage of ships to their
berths at the quayside. The southern shore was reclaimed to provide additional quayside facilities and
accommodation for housing and industrial use. This was a gradual process, accomplished over the
centuries. Along this river bank the first edition Ordnance Survey map shows that the riverside was lined
with mud-flats in 1835. People traversing the roadway that runs parallel to the south bank of the river
seemingly had difficulty picking their way along the swampy terrain, and hence named it the ‘Marsh
Road’.
Plate 3. St. Mary’s Mill
These mud flats were filled in after 1835 and Lewis’s Topographical Dictionary in 1837 states that a ‘very
extensive mill for spinning flax has recently been erected by the company of proprietors”. The recovered
ground space on the south bank has been utilised over the years to accommodate a wide variety of
industrial enterprises from ship building, a foundry, a gas works, chemical manures, edible and technical
M09LH02 New South Quays, Co. Meath September 2009
MOORE MARINE Ltd. – Archaeological, Environmental, Oceanographic and Geophysical Page 14
oils, brewing, and linen processing and also to printing, footwear and margarine manufacturing. These
large mills provided employment to almost 2,000 workers when Drogheda was at the forefront of the
Linen Industry. St. Mary’s Mills was located at the subject site. The area was once one of the most
important industrial districts of the town.
The Marsh Road area has been an important location for the importing and exporting of goods from
medieval times to the 20th century. A number of interesting buildings and industries have made an
enormous impact on the history of the South Quays. A coasting steamer service was established along
the east coast of Ireland in 1905 and on arrival the ships docked at the Foundry Wharf adjacent to the
South Quay. At this point varied cargo was off loaded for the local merchants and factories in the
vicinity. This service was withdrawn in August 1907 despite requests from the Drogheda Chemical
Manure Company to continue the service, (Mc Evoy, 42). Grendon’s Foundry and Engineering Works
was established in 1835 at the South Quay. According to the Irish Times in 1921, ‘In 1845 when the first
locomotive was built, the Drogheda Foundry was one of the most famous of its kind in the Three
Kingdoms, employing between 600 and 700 workers turning out ships, locomotives, weighing machines
and all classes of ironworks’. The facility was also used for repairing ships. Greene notes that the lane
which led from James’s St to the shipyard was called Graves Lane. Some sources say that the street was
named after a former inhabitant, Mr. Graves, however graving is a nautical term which describes the
cleaning of a ship’s hull and the application of a pitch coating, (Greene, 193). There was also a graving
slip at Ship St, east of the subject site for repairing barges.
In the 19th century, due to a cholera and typhoid epidemics a separate fever hospital was located on the
Marsh Road as a temporary expedient. It was reported on 16th October 1847 that ‘Disease is on the
increase, with 170 patients in the Marsh Fever Hospital and there is no more room for applicants’.
Domestic dwellings are also an important element of the cultural heritage of the Marsh Road. An area of
the riverbank remained untouched allowing access to the primeval shore until recent times, housewives
living on the Marsh Road and Scotch Hall (the original Scotch Hall which comprised a series of abject
tenements) would pick their way across the muddy foreshore with their baskets of clothes for
laundering at the riverside, the flowing tide of the Boyne continued to be their only ‘running water’.
Along with tenements, houses were constructed on Ship St. to accommodate industrial workers. The
south riverbank was later a recreational area.
M09LH02 New South Quays, Co. Meath September 2009
MOORE MARINE Ltd. – Archaeological, Environmental, Oceanographic and Geophysical Page 15
Plate 4. Photograph depicting late 19th century riverbank downstream of development site
4.7 Marsh Road : 20th Century
By 1930 the industry collapsed. St. Mary’s Mills located west of the subject site on the Marsh Road was
subsequently used to produce edible oils. Drogheda was a strategically important town during “the
Emergency”. Precautions were taken to safeguard the town in the event of an invasion. This included
the removal of Drogheda from the title names of factories and businesses such as the Drogheda Gas
Works and the Drogheda Chemical Manures Company. After the war Drogheda was in a better position
than many other towns as it was more industrialised. However, factories such as the Irish Oil and Cake
Mills and the Cairnes Brewery failed to fully absorb the available workforce and a combination of
rationalisation and external competition saw the gradual demise of each of these industries. In contrast
to the north quays, the South Quays remained unscathed from the re-developments undertaken during
the 1970’s and 80’s. In later times the area hosts much smaller self contained companies concentrated
in industrial units situated in the former Oil and Cake Mills facility. Today many of its factories lie empty
and have fallen into a state of decay. Scotch Hall, a 257,000 sq. ft retail centre was constructed in 2005
on a plot of land bordered by the Dublin Road, South Quay and New South Quay.
4.8 Site Specific Background
4.8.1 South Quays, Drogheda
In the earliest references the town of Drogheda is called Inver Colpa or the Port of Colpa; the present
name signifies "The Bridge over the Ford." Between 1150 and 1210 the name was used in five contexts.
Firstly, it is evident from the annalistic entry of 1157 that Drochat Atha was a name applied to a large
area rather than to a single feature such as a bridge of a ford. Secondly it is used as a synonym for
M09LH02 New South Quays, Co. Meath September 2009
MOORE MARINE Ltd. – Archaeological, Environmental, Oceanographic and Geophysical Page 16
Mellifont Abbey. Thirdly, it is the name of one of the granges which formed part of the initial lands of
the abbey. Finally it is an area in which a church dedicated to St. Mary stands, and lastly there is the
novus pons de Drogheda, clearly the site of the present town (Mc Evoy, 8). The south bank is steeply
scarped and rises to a height of just over 30m. This contrast in land formation has influences the
development of the town both during the Middle Ages and in more recent times: the north bank offered
space for expansion whereas settlement on the south bank was huddled together on the slope below
the Millmount. The swampy terrain of the south bank of the River Boyne at Drogheda lent its name to
the area surrounding the subject site, the ‘Marsh Road’. The recession years of the early eighties forced
the majority of the long established companies to close down. W & C Mc Donnells was one of the few to
fall victim to this decline. The company was synonymous with Drogheda for over 50 years and was a
familiar landmark on the southern approach to the town. It employed over 300 people at its height, (Mc
Evoy, 146). Abandoned structures of the abandoned Drogheda Chemical Manure Factory still stand to
the east of the site.
M09LH02 New South Quays, Co. Meath September 2009
MOORE MARINE Ltd. – Archaeological, Environmental, Oceanographic and Geophysical Page 17
5 BASELINE DATA
5.1 Register of Monuments and Places
The RMP is a database recording all archaeological sites in Ireland known to the National Monuments
Service established under Section 12 of the 1994 National Monuments (Amendment) Act. It is based on
Ordnance Survey 6” sheets, which indicate the location of each monument or place of archaeological
interest. For each, a file contains further documentary and photographic data or information relating to
an archaeological event such as a site visit, survey or excavation. These are housed in the National
Monuments Services in Dublin. The record is constantly updated and focuses on monuments that pre-
date 1700.
Figure 6. Extract from RMP Maps (LH:024) with site location highlighted in magenta
M09LH02 New South Quays, Co. Meath September 2009
MOORE MARINE Ltd. – Archaeological, Environmental, Oceanographic and Geophysical Page 18
Figure 7. Extract from RMP Maps [online], RMP sites are highlighted in red and the site location in magenta
M09LH02 New South Quays, Co. Meath September 2009
MOORE MARINE Ltd. – Archaeological, Environmental, Oceanographic and Geophysical Page 19
The Record of Monuments and Places (RMP) for County Meath (Figures 5 & 6) indicates that the subject
site is located within 0.5km of the historic town of Drogheda and a large number of other RMP sites.
These are:
RMP No.: LH2441
Townland: Moneymore
Classification: Graveyard
Description: St.Peters’s church was built in 1753. The organ was erected in 1771.
Source Dayton, John. History of Drogheda. (1844)
RMP No.: LH2441
Townland: Moneymore
Classification: Site of town gate
Description: It appears from the drawings of both Place (1668) and Ricciardelli (c.1770), to
have been a twin bastioned structure, similar to the barbican of St.
Laurences’s Gate and it may be that the gate itself was located within it. A
turret adjoining it on the town wall referred to in 1668. It is last shown on
Taylor & Skinner’s map of 1778, but it had been demolished by 1808.
Source Urban Survey
RMP No.: LH2441
Townland: Moneymore
Classification: Franciscian Friary
Description: Barron Plunkett of Louth founded the ancient church and monastery of St.
Francis in 1240. The present church and convent were built on nearly the
same site early in this century (19thc.), since then various additions have
been made-a new wing and bell tower. The convent in line with the rest of
the houses in Laurence St. is occupied by the Guardian, an ex guardian, two
priests and lay mother.
Source G. H. Bassett, County Louth Guide and Directory (1886-99).
Situated near St. Sunday’s Gate close to the Dominican Friary, of plate of
Dominican Friary, facing F 120, which shows lateral portion of the nave.
Source Dalton, John. History of Drogheda 1 (1844).
RMP No.: LH2441
M09LH02 New South Quays, Co. Meath September 2009
MOORE MARINE Ltd. – Archaeological, Environmental, Oceanographic and Geophysical Page 20
Townland: Moneymore
Classification: Friary
Description: Magdalene Tower is all that remains of the Dominican Abbey founded in 1224
by Lucas De Netterville. The remains of the founder and many others were
buried beneath the tower down to the year 1500. The tower, very high,
narrow, was obviously built within the walls of the church. It is borne on two
massive piers, shaped on east west, by high as narrow pointed arches of red
sandstone in three orders, chamfered and ‘dying’ into the wall faces. The
stone flashing course of the roof of the church is in situ on the east and west
of the narrow tower-square in plan, with square stairs turret projecting at the
south east angle.
Source Bassett, G.H. Louth County Guide and Directory (1886-79)
Coursework evident under the belfry windows. The projecting parapet walls
were apparently crenulated. The belfry windows east, west and south are of
the lights, with a transom arc recessed in a casement. Modern work is
obvious in the south west quoin of tier. This was described by archaeologist
Etienne Rynne in 1959, “In July 1960, during construction work about 20
yards east of school beside the tower an extended skeleton was discovered,
east west. It was reported at this time that further burials had been found
when the school itself was being built, would suggest that the monastic
graveyard was situated in this area”.
RMP No.: LH2439
Townland: Bryanstown
Classification: Mount
Description: The writer quotes from the ordinance survey letters of 1835-6, ‘’Cromwell’s
Mount’’, to the south of the Boyne within a few perches to the rear of where
the town wall is said to have been, is levelled almost with ground and under
cultivation as well as the field. There is the motte from which Cromwell made
the breach on Mary Magdalene’s Steeple. The Bevrack mount is situated
about 400 yards east of St. Patrick’s Well. Recently levelled by a farmer, it was
from here that Cromwell battered St. Mary’s and the town. The earthwork,
known as Cromwell’s Mount was levelled a short time prior to 1844.
Cromwell is believed to have made his successful attack on the town from it,
all that now remains is a slight hillock of natural appearance.
RMP No.: LH2430
M09LH02 New South Quays, Co. Meath September 2009
MOORE MARINE Ltd. – Archaeological, Environmental, Oceanographic and Geophysical Page 21
Townland: Yellowbatter
Classification: Ecclesiastical remains
Description: The class for this RMP number has been changed to non monument as
ecclesiastical remains is a term no longer used by ASI 11/7106.
RMP No.: LH2441
Townland: Moneymore
Classification: Town
Description: At the time of the sieges of Drogheda in 1641 and 1649, defensive ramparts
were thrown up outside the gates-‘Blac’s Rampier’ on the neath side, the
rampier without Dulleek gate in the same quarter. Three were thrown up
from St. Mary’s church to Duleek gate, three from the east end of the church
to the town wall. Traces of more modern military works are discernible as
several of the stations which were occupied by Cromwell.
RMP No.: LH2439
Townland: Lagavooren/Moneymore
Classification: Holywell
Description: St. Patrick’s Well was within the precincts of the Augustinian Friary and has
long since been closed, its site obliterated.
Source G. H. Bassett, County Louth Guide and Directory (1886-99).
Excerpt from The Urban Survey of Drogheda.
Royal commands to construct galleys during the 13th century suggest that
ships were built and the murage grant of 1296 to Drogheda in Meath,
specifically mentions large boards, masts, rigging ropes and canvas for ships,
perhaps indicating that the building yards were on the south side (Bradley
1978). Ireland’s first major railway, the Dublin –Drogheda line was established
in 1844 and magnificent viaduct spanning the Boyne was constructed in 1851-
55. It may be guessed, that the present north quay, mall and south quay have
functioned as quays from the time of the towns foundations in the late 12th
century. The quay in front of St. Saviour’s church immediate west of the
bridge on the north side of the Boyne is first referred to in 1218 (Brooks 1953
p101). It may well have been the private quay of the Llanthony Canons who
managed St. Saviour’s. In 1306 the Burgesses portioned the king for
permission to build a quay outside the precinct of Franciscan Friary on the
east side of the bridge (Fitzmaurice & Little 1920, p84, 85). This was built in
association with a tower, most likely St. Catherine’s Gate and may be the
M09LH02 New South Quays, Co. Meath September 2009
MOORE MARINE Ltd. – Archaeological, Environmental, Oceanographic and Geophysical Page 22
projection into the Boyne, shown on Newcomben’s map at the east end of
town. In 1340 the Burgesses received a grant of quayage which was to be
expanded on repairing the quays and towers of the town wall (cal. pat. Rolls
1338-49, p544). This latter grant would suggest that at least some of the
quayside was built with stone.
5.2 Topographical Files of the National Museum of Ireland
The topographical survey records the following results for the study area:
Townland: John Street
Parish: Drogheda
Reg Number: 1977:1260
Find: Bone Pin, iron horse shoe, 13 iron nails, 58 floor & roof tiles, 760 pottery sherds
(medieval), 5 pottery sherds (post medieval).
Method of Acquisition: A gift of Mr. Kieran Campbell, Laytown, Co. Meath
Townland: Drogheda
Reg Number: 1951:11,12
Find: Upper leather of shoe and sole
Method of Acquisition: Purchased Mr. Michael O’Leary, 27 North Strand, Drogheda, Co. Louth.
Description: Shoe found at north quay, dates to c.1820, is a portion of 2 shoes.
Townland: John Street
Parish: Drogheda
Reg Number: 1979:93
Find: 17 potsherds (medieval), iron nail fragments x 2.
Method of Acquisition: Gift of Mr. Gabriel Cooney , Department of Archaeology, U. C. D.
Townland: James Street
Parish: Drogheda
Reg Number: E249:1
Find: Medieval hospital site
Method of Acquisition: Excavation Kieran Campbell, 6 St. Ultan’s, Laytown, Co. Meath
Description: Large stone medieval building was partially excavated in 1982-3, when 3 walls were
recorded running parallel in north south direction. It contained 2 rooms each lit by three windows.
Medieval square vault, demolished in 1982. 2 sherds of local medieval pottery, dated 13 th century -
early 14th century.
M09LH02 New South Quays, Co. Meath September 2009
MOORE MARINE Ltd. – Archaeological, Environmental, Oceanographic and Geophysical Page 23
Townland: Drogheda
Reg Number: 1989:76
Find: Medieval tile (clay).
Method of Acquisition: Acquired from Victor M Buckley, Duchas, OPW, 51 Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2.
5.3 Previous archaeological fieldwork in the area
A search of the Excavations Bulletin (1970-2005) has revealed that several previous archaeological
programs have been carried out in the immediate vicinity of the area surrounding the proposed
development at New South Quays, Co. Meath from 1970-2005. They are:
04E1605 Tara O’Neill, Archaeological Consultancy Services Ltd.
2005:1061 2-5 South Quay, Drogheda
Medieval/post-medieval
Two phases of testing were carried out on the site of a proposed commercial development on 17–20
January and on 23–25 February 2005. The proposed development relates to the construction of a
restaurant, retail units, offices, apartments and a carpark. Six trenches were excavated in total, three
within the carpark, one within Building Number 5 and two within Building Number 4.
Trench 1 was located within Building Number 5. It revealed a number of archaeological features,
including two walls that cut through a medieval deposit. The walls were composed of stone and mortar
and both were orientated east–west. Sherds of Saintonge medieval pottery were retrieved from the
deposit.
Two trenches were excavated within Building Number 4. Trench 2 was north–south orientated. It
contained a number of medieval deposits and a stone alignment that emerged from the southern extent
of the western baulk of the trench. Finds from these features included body sherds of glazed medieval
pottery.
Trench 3 was east–west orientated and was excavated to the west of Trench 2. It contained four
deposits and three walls. Finds from the deposits included sherds of medieval pottery. One of the walls
was orientated north-east/south-west, while the other two were north–south orientated. They were
composed of stone and mortar.
Trench 4 was excavated within the carpark located to the east of Building Number 5. It revealed six
walls, all north–south orientated, including a very substantial limestone wall constructed of dressed
stones and mortar along both faces with an internal fill of smaller, more rounded stones. This wall
M09LH02 New South Quays, Co. Meath September 2009
MOORE MARINE Ltd. – Archaeological, Environmental, Oceanographic and Geophysical Page 24
measured 1.2m in width. Two of the stone walls exposed within the trench appeared to be associated
and enclosed a clay floor.
Trench 5 was located at the western extent of the site and was north-west/south-east orientated. It
revealed two stone and mortar east–west orientated walls and a number of deposits that contained
medieval pottery.
Trench 6 was excavated parallel to Trench 4. An extremely compacted stone assemblage was
encountered within the central portion of this trench. This feature measured 2.2m in width and was
located 0.4m below ground level. Without exposing a larger portion of this feature it is not possible to
be certain of its function, but it appears to represent a large wall. A brick floor was exposed protruding
from the southern baulk of the trench.
04E1605 Stephen J. Linnane, Archaeological Consultancy Services Ltd.
2005:1062 2–5 South Quay, Drogheda
Urban medieval and post-medieval
An assessment of the site using test-trenches was undertaken in January 2005 by Tara O’Neill (see No.
1061 above). This assessment identified walls and deposits of possible medieval date. Further works
were recommended. Excavation was undertaken under an extension to the licence, transferred to
Stephen J. Linnane. The work took place between 8 March and 1 April 2005. The site was stripped of
modern overburden using a tracked excavator equipped with a toothless grading bucket. The stripping
ceased at the top of archaeological deposits or at a height of c. 2.9m above OD, below which
archaeological deposits will be preserved in situ. The site was found to consist of six building plots of
varying width, divided from each other by substantial limestone walls. At least one plot had been heavily
involved in iron smelting. Deposits surviving between the walls were of medieval origin and were mostly
preserved in situ, but test-pits were excavated in each plot in order to determine the depth and nature
of the surviving deposits.
Archaeological deposits were found to survive to a depth of c. 1.2m below the 2.9m horizon. A stone-
lined hearth and a timber tanning pit were recognised within the test-pits. The pottery finds would
suggest a 14th-century date for these deposits and features. Later medieval and early post-medieval
features were probably removed when the 18th-century boundary walls were established.
03E0688 Thaddeus C. Breen, Valerie J. Keeley Ltd
2004:1090 Scotch Hall, Lagavooren, Drogheda
Urban medieval, post-medieval
M09LH02 New South Quays, Co. Meath September 2009
MOORE MARINE Ltd. – Archaeological, Environmental, Oceanographic and Geophysical Page 25
Work on this excavation, funded by Meath County Council, prior to a retail, hotel and residential
development, continued into 2004 but was now largely confined to monitoring the digging of pile-cap
pits (see Excavations 2003, No. 1239, for the earlier work). A layer of black organic material up to 1m
thick extended over much of the area within the town wall. This contained pottery of 13th-century type,
along with leather and textile fragments. There were no structural remains within it, and it appeared to
be dumped material. Two groups of small wooden piles were excavated. They had probably been
supports for a stone wall of uncertain date, of which no trace remained. Parts of four stone walls were
excavated: the south-east corner of the mediaeval riverside house excavated the previous year, part of
the pre19th-century quay wall, a substantial foundation wall on the west side of Graves' Lane
perpendicular to the line of the wall, the gable wall of the outbuildings backing onto Marsh Road, and
the town wall. The portion of the town wall excavated was the last remaining unexcavated part, which
had not been accessible in 1993. Most of it had been destroyed during the construction of the grain silos
in the 1970s and only a thin layer of rubble foundation remained.
03E0688 Thaddeus C. Breen, Valerie J. Keeley Ltd.
2005:1060 Scotch Hall, Lagavooren, Drogheda
A small amount of additional monitoring took place at this site this year, when service trenches were
being dug (see Excavations 2003, No. 1239, for earlier work on this site). One trench ran parallel to the
riverbank and then turned southwards to meet the Marsh Road. This mostly cut through disturbed
layers with demolition rubble, probably of 19th–20th-century date, but three stone walls were
encountered. Further stone walls were found in a trench which followed the line of James’s Street to the
Bull Ring junction. These ran at right angles to the line of the road. Here, grey silt with medieval pottery
was found at c. 1.5m depth. At the Bull Ring itself, nothing of archaeological significance was found; the
fill was very recent.
03D037; 03R052 David A. McCullough, The Archaeological Diving Company Ltd
2003:1240, River Boyne, Lakelands/Scotch Hall, Drogheda
Riverbed deposits and quayside features
“An underwater, intertidal archaeological and metal-detector survey of the South Quay at the former
Lakelands Dairies and Scotch Hall sites in Drogheda, Co. Louth, made a detailed record of the quay wall
and associated areas of riverbed as part of the archaeological requirement for the enabling works
associated with the development of this site. The landside was resolved under the direction of Thaddeus
Breen (No. 1239 above) as a joint venture between ADCO and V.J. Keeley Ltd.
M09LH02 New South Quays, Co. Meath September 2009
MOORE MARINE Ltd. – Archaeological, Environmental, Oceanographic and Geophysical Page 26
The riverbed has been subject to dumping from both the quayside and from the vessels using this area
over time and is covered with modern debris. Continuous metal-detector readings were encountered
throughout the surveyed area, and, while most of the targets identified were of modern date, several
archaeological items were recovered as stray finds. These objects were concentrated on the riverside of
a medieval waterfront building on South Quay discovered by Niall Brady in a previous assessment
(Excavations 2001, No. 848, 01D077), at the upstream end of the works area. The survey identified the
extension of the medieval town wall to the modern waterfront and concluded that the larger area of
present-day riverfront is not ancient, and dates mainly from the 19th century.”
03D0037 ext. Rex Bangerter, The Archaeological Diving Company Ltd.
2004:1091 South Quay, Drogheda
Assessment
As part of the Lakelands development scheme, a follow-up archaeological impact assessment was
undertaken of a 2.5m section of quay walling that became undermined following high tides in
November 2004. The inspection area was at the location of a narrow section of the medieval town wall
identified as an individual structure within the matrix of the present quayside. This section of medieval
wall was located during previous assessment/recording of the quayside (Excavations 2003, No. 1240,
03D037, 03R052) undertaken by David McCullough between May and June 2003. The structure was
found to have suffered large-scale collapse following river flooding and building works associated with
the development. Assessment was undertaken on 6 December 2004.
01D077 Niall Brady, The Archaeological Diving Company Ltd.
2001:848 South Quay, Drogheda
Medieval warehouse and quay wall
Intertidal survey in advance of the proposed Lakelands/Marsh Road Development Schemes, Drogheda,
Co. Louth, indicated that the development area retains two sites of interest: a medieval riverfront
warehouse (previously unrecorded), and a long area of existing quay walls on South Quay, Lagavoreen.
00E0629 Richard O’Brien, ADS Ltd
2000:0660 Lagavooren, Drogheda
M09LH02 New South Quays, Co. Meath September 2009
MOORE MARINE Ltd. – Archaeological, Environmental, Oceanographic and Geophysical Page 27
Pits and burial
Monitoring of drainage works in Lagavooren townland uncovered traces of archaeological deposits. A
rescue excavation was carried out from 1 to 2 August 2000, and two subsoil-cut pits with an associated
metalled surface were found. No in situ finds or dating evidence were recovered from the pits.
However, a barbed and tanged arrowhead and a sherd of blackware were found on the surface beside
the pits. In the same townland, but not associated with the pits, a number of disarticulated human
bones were found. These bones represented the remains of a female in her twenties. The lack of
associated finds precluded a date for the bones. It is hoped that an AMS date on the bones will shed
some light on their origin.
00E0729 Billy Quinn, Archaeological Services Unit Ltd.
2000:0661 Marsh Road/South Quays, Drogheda
Urban medieval
Testing took place of a proposed development on the site of the properties currently occupied by
Lakeland Dairies and McGowan’s Engineering on the South Quay/Marsh Road, Drogheda, Co. Louth. The
site contains a section of the medieval town wall.
Pre-development testing as agreed with Dúchas The Heritage Service consisted of the mechanical
excavation of eight trenches, three on the McGowan’s site and five in the Lakeland Dairies site. The
trenches were dug by a 12-tonne Hymac Excavator with a toothed bucket (owing to ground conditions a
grading bucket was unsuitable).
The trial-trenches demonstrated the presence of an upper rubble layer overlying deposits containing
medieval finds throughout the site. More specifically, the testing programme was able to confirm the
line of the medieval town wall that would have extended north from St James’s Gate to the river’s edge.
In terms of composition, the upper deposits varied considerably from trench to trench, though they all
generally consisted of redeposited material dating from the modern to the post-medieval period (red
brick, metal fragments, modern pottery). These disturbed fills represent the industrial and commercial
development of the site’s history, as well as the structural changes (extensions and demolitions) that the
site has undergone.
The lower deposits (c. 1m below the surface level) had an inconsistent profile; however, testing did
produce externally green-glazed pottery of medieval aspect and fragments of worked leather. Other
than the town wall, no features contemporary with the lower fills were in evidence.
M09LH02 New South Quays, Co. Meath September 2009
MOORE MARINE Ltd. – Archaeological, Environmental, Oceanographic and Geophysical Page 28
5.4 Place-name evidence
Lagavoreen comes from the Irish Lag an Mhúirín which means ‘a hollow or muddy place’ or a ‘hollow of
manure or mud’. This placename is recorded on the 1778 Map of Liberties of Drogheda. While the exact
source of the name is not recorded it almost certainly is reflective of the the poor condition of the
ground in the area. This is further reflected in the name of the nearby Bhóthar an Mhéirse or ‘Marsh
Road’. A term or description reflecting the state of the ground is a common occurrence in Irish
placenames.
5.5 Aerial photographs
This aerial image of the subject site shows the area to the southwest and northeast as a quay side
location in a heavily developed urban environment. It does not show any topographical or submarine
anomalies which may be indicative of the presence of previously unrecorded archaeological features or
deposits.
Plate 5. Aerial image of New South Quays with survey area highlighted in magenta
5.6 Record of Protected Structures
The Meath County Development Plan (2003-2013) records a number of structures in Drogheda as being
Recorded Protected Structures (RPS) None of these are in the vicinity of the proposed development.
M09LH02 New South Quays, Co. Meath September 2009
MOORE MARINE Ltd. – Archaeological, Environmental, Oceanographic and Geophysical Page 29
5.7 Ports and Harbours Archive
Site Name: Drogheda
1795-1890 Drogheda Custom House
Drawing
OPW Custom House (Drawings)
No. of Items 6
Ref.No.: OPW5HC/4, 755
Item No: 13
1869 ‘Dredging of River Boyne opposite Merchant Quay’
Ref 1391- Board of Trade, Black Series Navigation’
1870 ‘Plan showing width, and width required at Merchant’s Quay
to allow steamboats to turn and position of new width all for
Grendon & Co. opp Merchant’s Quay.
Ref.1656 Board of Trade, Black Series, Navigation
5.8 National Shipwreck Inventory
The National Shipwreck Inventory has the following records of vessels having foundered in the River
Boyne at Drogheda:
Name of Vessel: Endeavour
Date of Loss: 06/01/1839
Place of Loss: Pier Head, Drogheda
Description: Sloop sank laden with coal, owned by Henry Smith, Captain was Quigley. Captain and
captain’s brother drowned. Passing steamer rescued one crew member.
Mc Donagh 1990, 5 - 12
Name of Vessel: Ethiopian
Date of Loss: 06/03/1895
Place of Loss: River Boyne
Description: 137 ton schooner, ran down and sunk by steamer Holme Force
LL 17,953, 18 March 1895; LL 17, 956, 21st March 1895
M09LH02 New South Quays, Co. Meath September 2009
MOORE MARINE Ltd. – Archaeological, Environmental, Oceanographic and Geophysical Page 30
Name of Vessel: Fame
Date of Loss: 18/01/1803
Place of Loss: Drogheda
Description: 72 ton, 6 year old vessel classed E1 by Lloyd’s. Vessel was wrecked.
PP 1836, LVII, 346
Name of Vessel: Sarah and Eliza
Date of Loss: 10/10/1820
Place of Loss: River Boyne, Drogheda
Description: En route from New Brunswick. Captain was Mortimer. Went ashore , cargo was
discharged.
LL 5, 532, 10th October 1820
Name of Vessel: Union
Date of Loss: 23/03/1840
Place of Loss: River Boyne
Description: Of Drogheda, master was Mulholland. Went aground, strained, filled with water.
LL 8, 129, 27 March 1840
Name of Vessel: Unknown
Date of Loss: March 1870
Place of Loss: Boyne
Description: Stranded schooner refused assistance from Drogheda lifeboat. Unclear if vessel became a
wreck.
de Courcy Ireland 1983, 86
M09LH02 New South Quays, Co. Meath September 2009
MOORE MARINE Ltd. – Archaeological, Environmental, Oceanographic and Geophysical Page 31
5.9 Cartographic Sources
The following maps were consulted with reference to investigation for the presence of archaeological
material in the subject area.
5.9.1 1st Edition Ordnance Survey
Figure 8. Extract from First Edition Ordnance Survey Map, surveyed Jan 1836
This map depicts the subject site as an area of intertidal mudflat bounded to the south by landscaped
gardens and to the north by the River Boyne. This map does not indicate the presence of any features
of archaeological significance on the subject site.
M09LH02 New South Quays, Co. Meath September 2009
MOORE MARINE Ltd. – Archaeological, Environmental, Oceanographic and Geophysical Page 32
5.9.2 2nd Edition Ordnance Survey
Figure 9. Extract from 2nd Edition Ordnance Survey Map, 1909
This map shows development as having taken place on the subject site. It records St. Mary’s Mill as
having been constructed on the site. The northern portion of this mill was constructed directly onto the
previously depicted intertidal shore. The map does not record any berthing or associated riverine
facilities related to the Mills. Equally, the map does not indicate the presence of any features of
archaeological significance on the subject site.
M09LH02 New South Quays, Co. Meath September 2009
MOORE MARINE Ltd. – Archaeological, Environmental, Oceanographic and Geophysical Page 33
6 UNDERWATER ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVEY
6.1 Field Survey Methodology and Strategy
The Underwater Survey was divided into two component parts; the first being the visual survey. It
visually inspected the development site for upstanding and slightly submerged archaeological material.
Any found would be recorded and photographed. The visual survey would also record the condition and
state of the submerged features.
The second component was a metal detector survey. It was designed to record the location of any
ferrous and non-ferrous metals at the proposed outfall site. All metal detector contacts were recorded
and geo-referenced through the use of a Trimble Geoexplorer GPS. This allowed for the generation of
contact distribution patterns and facilitated subsequent relocation.
For the underwater and intertidal surveys, a gridded transect investigation scheme was the proposed
plan to be employed. It was be based on parallel north – south orientated transects across the subsea
area of the proposed development. The survey was based on 12 no. 20m long and 5m wide parallel
passages. It envisaged that use of this technique would ensure 100% coverage of the survey area, which
encompasses 30m either side of the centreline of the outfall.
The survey commenced upstream of the survey area and progressed easterly, taking advantage of the
current direction.
6.2 Site Conditions
The assessment took place on 9th September 2009 under Dive Licence 09D67, 09R173. Water flow at
the time of the survey was moderate with very poor visibility. The maximum recorded water depth was
4.1m.
6.3 Site Survey
The subject site comprised an area of intertidal and sub tidal terrain situated around the end of a stone
waterfront revetment on the southern side of the River Boyne in Drogheda town centre.
As previously stated, the survey commenced in the western end of the site and progressed easterly. It
recorded that the subject site was directly fronted by a high stone riverine revetment wall. This wall
was originally of squared random construction but had later additions (see plate 6). The wall had a
southern return immediately to the east of the outfall location, where it bounded a large masonry dump
site and intertidal mudflat (see plate 7). It was almost entirely covered with kelp throughout the tidal
M09LH02 New South Quays, Co. Meath September 2009
MOORE MARINE Ltd. – Archaeological, Environmental, Oceanographic and Geophysical Page 34
range and the only evidence of any riverine related influence on the area were three, wall mounted,
mooring rings noted to the west of the outfall location.
Immediately beneath the riverfront wall was a narrow stony muddy intertidal shore. This shoreline
measured 4 – 4.5m in width and was comprised of sandy intertidal mud, angular stones, assorted
modern debris and kelp (see plates 6-19). The overlying debris took various forms, metal hoop bands,
bolted metal plates, reinforcing bar and angle brackets. Cartographic sources indicated that prior to the
construction of St. Mary’s Mills in the late 19th century; this was a large intertidal mudflat.
Consequently, it must be assumed that this overlying debris is modern in origin.
At the outfall location and the area to the west, the gradient of the intertidal shore was low. It sloped
gradually from the stony wall base to the soft muddy lower foreshore and then onto the submarine
zone. Immediately to the east of the outfall, at the location of the previously described masonry dump
site, the stone dump on the foreshore descended directly to the submarine zone, with no muddy
foreshore visible.
The underwater zone throughout the survey area had a uniform profile which sloped gradually from the
tidal interface. The upper 8m of the underwater zone was comprised exclusively of soft featureless
sandy mud. This riverbed form was consistent throughout the entire survey area, with the exception of
a small section surrounding the masonry dump, where it extended 0.4m into the underwater zone.
Outside this the riverbed form was similar to that surrounding it.
The riverbed form changed gradually as it moved deeper and closer to the centre of the river. The soft
mobile muds of the riverbank gave way to a heavier sandy clay and gravel. Visibility in this area was
very poor and the diver had to rely exclusively on a hand held torch for visibility. A considerable
quantity of material was noted on the riverbed, in the riverbed and in transport by the current. The
range of material varied significantly from broken china pottery to red brick fragments, to modern tile
fragments to tree branches, shopping trolleys, hessian sacks, co-axial cable and animal bones. The
material was spread randomly throughout the survey area, with obvious accumulations at the site of
obstructions. No material of archaeological significance was noted.
M09LH02 New South Quays, Co. Meath September 2009
MOORE MARINE Ltd. – Archaeological, Environmental, Oceanographic and Geophysical Page 35
Plate 6. River revetment wall
M09LH02 New South Quays, Co. Meath September 2009
MOORE MARINE Ltd. – Archaeological, Environmental, Oceanographic and Geophysical Page 36
Plate 7. Masonry dump area to the east of outfall location
Plate 8. View of intertidal shore at outfall location, looking west
M09LH02 New South Quays, Co. Meath September 2009
MOORE MARINE Ltd. – Archaeological, Environmental, Oceanographic and Geophysical Page 37
Plate 9. View of survey area looking west
Plate 10. Metals noted on foreshore
M09LH02 New South Quays, Co. Meath September 2009
MOORE MARINE Ltd. – Archaeological, Environmental, Oceanographic and Geophysical Page 38
Plate 11. Metal hoop noted on foreshore
Plate 12. Stony foreshore
M09LH02 New South Quays, Co. Meath September 2009
MOORE MARINE Ltd. – Archaeological, Environmental, Oceanographic and Geophysical Page 39
Plate 13. More foreshore metals
Plate 14. Diver survey in progress
M09LH02 New South Quays, Co. Meath September 2009
MOORE MARINE Ltd. – Archaeological, Environmental, Oceanographic and Geophysical Page 40
6.4 Results
Drogheda has a rich archaeological and historical heritage and desktop analysis of the historical and
archaeological background to the site recorded that there were several RMP sites in the vicinity of the
site, though none in the immediate vicinity of the site. Desktop analysis also recorded that prior to the
construction of St. Mary’s Mills, this site had been an intertidal mud flat bounded to the south by
landscaped gardens. The survey recorded that whilst there was a considerable amount of metallic and
masonry debris noted on the foreshore, none of this appeared to be archaeological. In addition, a
considerable amount of material was noted in the underwater zone. The range of material in this area
varied hugely and although all the visible and detectable material was modern, there was potential for
this area to contain buried archaeological artefacts.
Neither the visual survey nor the metal detection survey recorded the presence of any archaeological
materials, deposits or features in the assessment area.
7 DISCUSSION & RECOMMENDATIONS
7.1 Discussion
7.1.1 The Development Area
The New South Quays are located on the southern side of the River Boyne in the town of Drogheda. The
town has a long history of a port town and the site in question would have been used as a quayside
since medieval times. The proposed pipe will impact an 18 m³ area of foreshore at the site of an existing
outfall.
7.2 Assessment of Potential Impacts
Direct Impacts
The underwater survey recorded that the subject site recorded that no archaeological finds, materials or
features were noted during the survey. Notwithstanding this there is potential for the site to contain
stray archaeological finds. As a result if the project were to impact previously unrecorded
archaeological material it would have a permanent, long term and negative impact on these resources.
‘Do nothing’ impact
If the proposed development were not to proceed there would be no negative impact on the
archaeological or cultural heritage resource.
M09LH02 New South Quays, Co. Meath September 2009
MOORE MARINE Ltd. – Archaeological, Environmental, Oceanographic and Geophysical Page 41
‘Worst case’ impact
Under a worst-case scenario, by way of its form and function, the construction of an outfall at this point
will have a permanent and negative impact on any previously undiscovered archaeological material
which may be contained within the area.
7.3 Recommendations
Although the subject site is located in an area that was an intertidal mud flat up until the late 19th
century, its location in the centre of Drogheda, the obvious archaeological potential of the River Boyne
and the preponderance of material noted during the underwater survey mean that there is potential for
the project to impact previously un-recorded archaeological deposits or features. Based on this
assessment, it is recommended that:
3. All invasive groundworks associated with the outfall construction be monitored by an
archaeologist.
4. If possible, all excavated material should be metal detected for the presence of previously
unrecorded archaeological artefacts.
Please note that all recommendations above are subject to approval by the Planning and Heritage
Section of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.
Please note that this report and accompanying recommendations are based on maps provided at the
time of writing. Should changes be made, further assessment may be necessary.
M09LH02 New South Quays, Co. Meath September 2009
MOORE MARINE Ltd. – Archaeological, Environmental, Oceanographic and Geophysical Page 42
APPENDIX 1 BIBLIOGRAPHY
Bennet, I. (Ed.). (2000). Excavations 1998. Dublin.
Bennet, I. (Ed.). (2000). Excavation 1999. Dublin.
Casey, C. and Alisdair R. (1993). The Buildings of Ireland North Leinster. Penguin, Dublin.
Department of the Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht & the Islands (DAHGI), (1999). Frameworks and Principles
for the Protection of the Archaeological Heritage, Government publications, Dublin.
Department of the Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht & the Islands (DAHGI), (1999). Policy and Guidelines on
Archaeological Excavation. Government publications, Dublin.
Environmental Protection Agency, (1995). Advice notes on current practice in the preparation of
Environmental Impact Statements. Dublin.
Joyce, P.W. (1913). Irish Names of Places. Vol. III. Dublin.
Killannin, Lord & Duignan, M. (1962). The Shell Guide to Ireland. Edbury Press, London.
National Monuments Acts 1930-1994.
National Museum of Ireland. Topographical files, County Louth.
Nolan, W. & Simms, A. (Eds.). (1998). Irish Towns, A Guide to Sources. Dublin.
The Heritage Council, (2000). Archaeology & Development: Guidelines for Good Practice for Developers.
The Heritage Council of Ireland Series, Kilkenny.
The Planning and Heritage Section of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local
Government. Sites and Monuments Record, County Louth.
M09LH02 New South Quays, Co. Meath September 2009
MOORE MARINE Ltd. – Archaeological, Environmental, Oceanographic and Geophysical Page 43
APPENDIX 2 LEGISLATIVE BACKGROUND
The 1992 European Convention on the Protection of Archaeological Heritage was ratified by Ireland in
1997. The convention provides the basic framework for policy on the protection of the archaeological
heritage. In summary, the obligations on the state under the convention relate to
§ providing statutory protection measures
§ authorisation and supervision of archaeological activities
§ measures for the physical protection of the archaeological heritage
§ providing consultation between archaeologists and planners
§ providing financial support for research or rescue archaeology
§ facilitating the study of archaeological discoveries by making or bringing up to date maps,
surveys and inventories of archaeological sites
§ facilitating national and international exchanges of elements of the archaeological heritage for
scientific purposes
§ educating the public in relation to the value of and threat to the archaeological heritage
§ preventing the illicit circulation of elements of the archaeological heritage
§ providing for the exchange of information and experts on the archaeological heritage between
states party to the convention.
Irish Legislation
Irish legislation for the protection of archaeological heritage is based on the National Monuments Acts
1930-2004. This is in accordance with the Valletta Convention (as above). The Minister for Arts,
Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands has a specific role in relation to the protection of the archaeological
heritage through powers provided by these acts and the National Cultural Institutions Act 1997. The
overall state archaeological service is provided by the Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the
Islands (DAHGI) and delivered through the Planning and Heritage Section of the Department of the
Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the National Museum of Ireland (Irish Antiquities
Division) on behalf of the minister.
M09LH02 New South Quays, Co. Meath September 2009
MOORE MARINE Ltd. – Archaeological, Environmental, Oceanographic and Geophysical Page 44
§ The National Monuments Acts secure the archaeological heritage in several key areas
§ The Protection of Archaeological Monuments and Areas
Section 2 of the 1930 Act (as amended) provides that ‘monument’ includes any artificial building or
structure, cave, stone or any natural object that has been altered or moved into purposefully put in
position, any prehistoric tomb, grave or burial or any ritual, industrial or habitation site or any traces of
the above. The Planning and Heritage Section of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local
Government advises the Minister on the protection of archaeological monuments and places. There are
a number of mechanisms which can be applied to secure the protection of archaeological monuments
and areas.
§ The Record of Monuments and Places – a list and maps of monuments and relevant places in
each county maintained and updated by The Planning and Heritage Section of the Department
of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Monuments entered into it are referred
to as Recorded Monuments. Owners or occupiers of Recorded Monuments are required to give
two months notice to the Minister and obtain consent before carrying out any works in relation
to the monument.
§ The Register of Historic Monuments – a list of all historic monuments known to the Minister.
Owners or occupiers must not, other than with consent, alter, deface, demolish or in any
manner interfere with a historic monument entered in the register.
§ Preservation Orders and Temporary Preservation Orders. – Where it appears to the minister
that a monument, considered to be a national monument, is in danger or is actually being
destroyed or falling into decay the minister may by preservation order or temporary
preservation order, undertake the preservation of the monument. A temporary preservation
order will remain in force for six months and then expire.
The Protection of Archaeological objects
Section 2 of the 1930 Act (amended) defines an archaeological object as (in summary) any chattel in a
manufactured or partly manufactured state or an unmanufactured state but with an archaeological or
historical association. This includes ancient human, animal or plant remains. The National Museum of
Ireland advises the Minister on the protection of archaeological objects. The National Monuments Acts
state the following regarding the archaeological objects. Archaeological objects must not be altered by
any person unless issued with a licence to do so by the Minister. This includes cleaning, restoring,
sampling, cutting or drilling. No archaeological object found after 1930 may be purchased or otherwise
acquired or sold unless designated by the director of the Museum. It is unlawful to export or attempt to
export archaeological objects other than with an export licence.
M09LH02 New South Quays, Co. Meath September 2009
MOORE MARINE Ltd. – Archaeological, Environmental, Oceanographic and Geophysical Page 45
The Control of Archaeological Excavation
It is unlawful for any person to dig or excavate in or under any land for the purpose of searching for
archaeological objects or particular structure or thing of archaeological interest known or believed to be
under such land unless issued with, or in accordance with a licence issued by the Minister. The Planning
and Heritage Section of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, in
consultation with the National Museum, advises the Minister on the issuing of licences. In practice, for a
person to be issued with a licence to excavate, he or she will have to be considered eligible to hold one.
This is generally determined by interview.
The Control of Detection Devices
Section 2 of the 1987 Act defines a detecting device as a device designed or adapted for detecting or
locating any metal or mineral on the ground and under water. This does not include a camera. It is
unlawful to use or be in possession of such a device
§ At the site of a monument subject to a preservation order
§ A monument in the ownership or guardianship of the Minister
§ A monument entered in the Record of Monuments and Places
§ A monument entered in the Register of Historic Monuments
M09LH02 New South Quays, Co. Meath September 2009
MOORE MARINE Ltd. – Archaeological, Environmental, Oceanographic and Geophysical Page 46
APPENDIX 3 IMPACT ASSESSMENT & THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCE
Procedures relating to the carrying out of Cultural Heritage section of EISs.
Archaeological assessment has been described as “the overall process of assessing the impact of a
development” (DAHGI, 1999). The principle aim of assessment is to anticipate and avoid impacts on the
archaeological resource. Archaeological assessment may be required as part of the planning process in
response to developments which may be located in the vicinity of archaeological monuments, which are
extensive in terms of area or length, which are likely to have a substantial impact on present or former
wetlands, unenclosed land, rivers, lakes, the inter-tidal zone or the sea-bed (The Heritage Council.
2000).
Impact Assessment and Archaeology.
Archaeological monuments can comprise identifiable above ground features or subterranean traces of
previous activity. These monuments can be affected in the course of development in a number of ways.
Potential impacts can be identified through the assessment procedure by carrying out a paper
study/historical research. The documentary research can then be combined with existing baseline data,
field assessment and non-intrusive methods to provide a pre-development risk appraisal study for
developers. Further investigation or mitigation measures may subsequently be recommended prior to
and during the course of construction work. Sources used by archaeologists show considerable variation
(The Heritage Council, 2000). A number of primary baseline data sources and procedures must be
considered. These are listed below.
1. The Register of Monuments and Places. The RMP is a database recording all archaeological
sites in Ireland known to the National Monuments Service. It is based on the Sites and
Monuments Record of each County. The record comprises Ordnance Survey 6” sheets which
indicate the location of each monument or place of archaeological interest and files of further
documentary and photographic data or information relating to an archaeological event such as
a site visit, survey or excavation. These are housed in the National Monuments Services in
Dublin. The record is constantly updated and principally focuses on monuments that pre-date
1700.
2. The National Museum of Ireland Topographical Files. The National Museum in Dublin houses
an archive of antiquities cataloguing artefacts which were found and reported between 1928
and 1995. Artefacts can be used as a pointer to the levels of activity in an area in the past. As
such they are a useful guide to the archaeological potential of a site
M09LH02 New South Quays, Co. Meath September 2009
MOORE MARINE Ltd. – Archaeological, Environmental, Oceanographic and Geophysical Page 47
3. Cartographic evidence. Ordnance Survey maps and available early maps are consulted and
examined. Historical maps are more easily available for urban sites. However, other sources,
such as estate maps, are available for rural sites.
4. Previous archaeological work near to the subject site. Previous fieldwork carried out locally
can provide further information on the surrounding landscape and help to determine the
nature of the archaeological resource. A yearly excavations bulletin catalogues all licensed
fieldwork carried out in the state. The Archaeological Survey of Ireland and local journals can
also be used as sources for this purpose
5. Field inspection. A site visit is necessary in order to determine the nature of the archaeological
resource and potential remains. Previously unknown archaeological sites can be identified
through topographical observations. A site visit can also be helpful in researching local
traditions/folklore which may help to indicate levels of activity in the area in the past.
6. Aerial photographs. The Geological Survey of Ireland, based in Dublin, holds a comprehensive
archive of high level vertical photographs available for consultation by the public and
researchers. This is an invaluable resource for the recognition of new sites and the contributing
to the understanding of known sites.
Examination of the above sources and the undertaking of the above procedures can result in a detailed
statement of the possible impacts on the archaeological resource of a proposed development and set
out recommendations as how the impact can be avoided, minimized or negated. By ensuring the earliest
identification of the archaeological impacts of a development these impacts can be minimized or
avoided, thus reducing costs and/or delays.
Direct and indirect impacts resulting from the proposed development on the archaeological resource
should be described and considered. This section of the cultural impact assessment should address the
results of disturbance by excavation or deposition, topsoil stripping or passage of machinery and
subsequent physical loss to a monument or its setting, desiccation of archaeological objects or remains
due to groundwater level changes, visual impacts and visual amenity impact.
M09LH02 New South Quays, Co. Meath September 2009
MOORE MARINE Ltd. – Archaeological, Environmental, Oceanographic and Geophysical Page 48
Mitigation strategies and Archaeology
Although it is not always possible to detect archaeological sites prior to construction works, it is
important to investigate the potential impacts at the earliest phase of development, if possible during
site selection. The ideal mitigation for archaeological sites is avoidance/preservation in situ. This is,
however, not always possible. If the risk of disturbing archaeological remains is considered minimal, no
further archaeological work (other than monitoring of construction work) may be recommended.
Recommendations in the impact statement can be offered as mitigation measures should preservation
in situ prove impractical or impossible. These are as follows:
§ Archaeological Test Trenching. Test excavation has been defined as that form of
archaeological excavation where the purpose is to establish the nature and
extent of archaeological deposits and features present in a location which it is
proposed to develop (though not normally to fully investigate those deposits or
features) and allow an assessment to be made of the archaeological impact of
the proposed development (DAHGI, 1999).
• Full Archaeological Excavation. Archaeological excavation has been described as
being carried out in order to “mitigate the impact of development on
archaeological deposits, features and objects through scientific recording …
resulting in preservation by record …” (DAHGI, 1999).
• Archaeological Monitoring. Archaeological monitoring has been described as
"involving an archaeologist being present in the course of the carrying out of
development works (which may include conservation works), so as to identify
and protect archaeological deposits, features or objects which may be uncovered
or otherwise affected by the works" (DAHGI, 1999).