2024:767 - Celtic Interconnector - Onshore Scheme, Cork

Test excavations were carried out across greenfield areas along the terrestrial cable route of the Celtic Interconnector Project, between the townlands of Killeena and Summerfield, all in County Cork. Test excavations were undertaken after a programme of geophysical survey (licence number 23R0037) identified a small number of possible archaeological features.

A total of 7 areas of archaeological interest has been identified during test excavation in advance of the terrestrial cable route of the Celtic Interconnector Project. During the test trenching phase ninety-one features were identified, of which around half may be of archaeological interest, with the remainder identified as plough furrows, field drains, or field boundary ditches.

It is recommended that seventeen 5m-by-5m and six 10m-by-10m sites should be stripped for excavation to cover all features identified in the test trenching phase.

Of the features which are proposed for further investigation (excavation), there are thirty-one pit features, five spreads, five stake-/post-holes, and a probable grain-drying kiln previously identified through geophysical survey. A cluster of pit features were identified in Moanlahan townland, four of which contained fragments of cremated bone. A 20m x 20m area has therefore been suggested for this area, which might potentially be a previously unknown prehistoric cremation cemetery.

The other pit features along the route are mostly isolated or in nearby pairs, and their function was not immediately obvious.

Two spreads and a pit feature may relate to fulacht fiadh-type activity, but due to intensive agricultural practices, there was insufficient material noted to be certain until excavation can take place.

All the sites identified are within the proposed cable route and would suffer a direct and severe impact during construction. It is recommended that a suitable area around each archaeological area is stripped of topsoil to further define the nature and extent of the site. Where archaeological remains are confirmed, and where they cannot be preserved in situ, it is recommended that they be excavated prior to construction.