2004:1339 - SKREEN (Testing Area 7), Meath

An assessment was carried out in advance of the planned M3 Clonee–North of Kells PPP scheme, Co. Meath, on the Dunshaughlin–Navan section (Contract 2) between February and June 2004. This section of the scheme is c. 15.5km long from the townland of Roestown, north-west of Dunshaughlin, to the townland of Ardsallagh, south-west of Navan town. The EIS recommended testing any known or possible sites identified and Meath County Council further proposed to test the whole of the remainder of the route. For the purposes of testing, this section was divided into 26 testing areas. The assessment methodology generally consisted of mechanically excavating 2m-wide test-trenches along the centre-line and perpendicular to the centre-line to the edge of the land-take every 20m. The work was carried out on behalf of Meath County Council, the National Roads Design Office and the National Roads Authority.

Testing Area 7 is located in the townland of Skreen between Chainages 27050 and 28150. Within this area, 11,418m2 out of a total of 89,106m2 was test-trenched, providing an assessment coverage of 13%.

A potential archaeological site had previously been identified as a result of the geophysical survey in Testing Area 7, Field 3 (Area 18). A large ditch, the function of which is unknown, and a shallow linear feature were contained within this area. The presence of these features was confirmed in the assessment phase of works. Three pit features were also identified and these features were designated Skreen 2. No finds were recovered from any of the features that were sectioned.

Six features of archaeological interest were identified in Testing Area 7, Field 1. This site was designated Skreen 1 and consisted of four pit features, a hearth and a small linear feature. These isolated features were at various locations throughout the field. No finds were recovered and the date of these features is uncertain.