2022:943 - Kilteel Lower, Kildare

A programme of Archaeological Testing was undertaken within the extent of a proposed single residential development as part of the preparation of an Archaeological Impact Assessment requested by the Planning Authority in response to a planning application..

The proposed development plot is partially located within a Zone of Archaeological Potential/Notification associated with a probable Barrow (KD020-005) located in woodlands to the west of Kilteel and positioned approximately 30m outside the northern extent of the site.

A Geophysical Survey was undertaken by J.M. Leigh Surveys Ltd in 2019 – Licence No; 19R0213; the overall survey area incorporated the subject development lands as well as some lands to the west, east and north; a number of anomalies were detected with the subject area but were largely interpreted as being associated with agricultural activities or of geological origin.

Twelve trenches were excavated within the extent of the application area, measuring from 7–95m in length. Removal of the topsoil exposed orange-brown shale-clay subsoil. There was some evidence for spade-dug furrows across much of the northern area of the site, all of which were generally aligned northeast-southwest.

No features of archaeological interest/potential were uncovered and examination of the excavated topsoil and subsoil did not result in the recovery of any artefactual material of archaeological/historical interest.