2023:877 - Milltown More; Moorestown, Tipperary

A programme of Archaeological Monitoring of the foundation pits/trenches associated with the erection of two electricity supply poles at Milltown More and Moorestown Townlands, Co. Tipperary was undertaken in early May 2023.

The subject poles were located within the Archaeological Zone of Notification established with respect to a Ringfort – rath (SMR No: TS069-059) located in the townland of Milltown More; there are no visible traces of the monument which is bisected by an agricultural road and surface storage area to the south and overlying the interior of the monument.

Notification of the works was submitted to the National Monuments Service, as required under Section 12(3) of the National Monuments (Amendment) Act 1994, who recommended that all ground disturbance associated with the works be monitored by an archaeologist and under licence from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

The foundation trenches for the new poles (P1 and P2) had surface dimensions of up to 1.8m x 0.9m and 2.1m x 0.5m respectively; in addition, trenches excavated for stay supports with respect to P1 has surface dimensions of 2.1m x 0.5m and 1.5m x 0.4m, respectively. In all cases, removal of the topsoil revealed shale-gravel in a sandy, silty-clay matrix overlying shale bedrock, the uppermost surfaces of which were weathered and fragmented.

No subsurface features of archaeological interest or potential were uncovered by the excavations; likewise, no artefacts of archaeological or historical interest were recovered by the excavations and subsequent investigations of the spoil.