2017:417 - INISHANNON: Bandon River, Cork

An underwater archaeological impact assessment was undertaken of a 100m-long section of the Bandon River, as it flows past the proposed site of a new Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP), Dromkeen Td., Inishannon, Co. Cork. The work was undertaken as part of pre-planning conditions associated with the insertion of a new outfall structure as part of the proposed development.

The archaeological work comprised comprehensive assessment of a 120m-long stretch of the waterway extending between the north-west and north-east extent of the proposed WWTP site. The assessment recorded riverbed topography, provides a detailed account of the existing riverside environment, and describes any riverine features encountered. The on-site work was carried out on 5 June 2017.

Direct impacts to the riverbed are restricted to the location of an outfall that extends northward from the southernmost extent of the WWTP. The outfall structure comprises a 450mm diameter pipe that will discharge into the Bandon River at ITM: 554694E, 556928N. A concrete apron will extend 550mm from the outfall terminus, below which a stone mattress is to be placed. The stone mattress will measure 200mm length x 200mm width. Rock armour will also be placed, on either side of the outfall, to consolidate the adjoining bank structure.

No archaeologically significant features were encountered for the bankside/riverbed area under assessment.