2023:798 - Stamullen, Co. Meath to Balbriggan, Co. Dublin., Meath

Between October 2022 and March 2023, a programme of archaeologically monitoring of groundworks, associated with Stamullen pumping station, was undertaken between Stamullen, Co. Meath and Balbriggan, Co. Dublin. Trenches relating to works were excavated within existing carriageways and adjoining greenfield areas of existing roadways.

Bremore

Groundworks within this townland consisted of the stripping of topsoil in an area measuring 356m in length by 5m in width. Topsoil was a mid-brown clay silt (max depth 0.30m) and subsoil consisted of a light brown clay. The southern half of the trench contained a large amount of backfilled modern disturbance associated with a nearby housing development.  Nothing of archaeological significance was found.

Gormanstown Demesne

Groundworks within this townland consisted of the excavation of a trench within the existing carriageway c. 30m in length with a maximum width of 1m. The recorded stratigraphy consisted of modern road surfacing materials (to a depth of 0.3m below the present ground surface), overlying a sterile brown clay (c.1m deep) that may constitute a deliberate build-up. Subsoil was recorded as a brown clay with grey mottling. Nothing of archaeological significance was found.

Knockagin

Groundworks within this townland consisted of excavations for a directional drilling pit c. 1.5m by 2m in maximum dimensions. Topsoil consisted of a mid-brown clay silt with a maximum depth of 0.3m. Subsoil was recorded as a light brown clay with grey mottling and frequent gravel inclusions. Nothing of archaeological significance was found.

Nothing of archaeological significance was found during monitoring along the scheme.