2026:227 - Derryroe & Kilberrihert, Co. Cork, Cork

Archaeological testing was undertaken in May 2026 in advance of a proposed Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) and Solar Facility at Derryroe, Macroom and Kilberrihert, Coachford, Co. Cork.

A total of 19 test trenches were mechanically excavated across all areas proposed for ground reduction, including the footprint of the proposed BESS, the operational compound at the southern end of the site, both site entrances, and the associated access roads. Within the proposed solar facility, trenching was limited to the location of the temporary construction compound, as ground disturbance elsewhere will be confined to the installation of piled solar panel supports and underground cabling.

Archaeological deposits representing the remains of two burnt mounds (fulachtaí fia) were identified within Trenches 4, 7 and 8. These comprised deposits of heat-shattered stone within charcoal-rich clay deposits, characteristic of fulacht fia activity. The deposits identified in Trenches 7 and 8 are considered to represent a single archaeological site (Fulacht Fia 1), extending across a relatively large area. The deposit identified in Trench 4 (Fulacht Fia 2) consisted of disturbed burnt mound material mixed with grey clay and brown silt, although isolated pockets of intact archaeological deposits survived within the exposed sections. No associated cut features, such as a trough or pit, were identified at the base of the trenches; however, detailed investigation was restricted by the presence of a modern stone-filled drain and significant groundwater ingress.

Fulacht Fia 2, identified in Trench 4, measured approximately 12m northeast–southwest by 12m northwest–southeast. It is situated within the footprint of the proposed BESS, close to the north-western corner of the existing Clashavoon Substation. As this area forms part of the critical infrastructure required to facilitate the connection between the proposed solar facility, the BESS and the ESB substation, avoidance is not feasible. It is therefore proposed that this archaeological site be preserved by record through full archaeological excavation in advance of development.

Fulacht Fia 1, identified in Trenches 7 and 8, measured approximately 30m northeast–southwest by 20m northwest–southeast and lies within the area proposed for underground cabling associated with the solar facility. Following its discovery during archaeological testing, the layout of the solar facility was redesigned to avoid the archaeological remains. The site will therefore be preserved in situ within a designated green area, ensuring that no ground disturbance will occur within its extent.

No further archaeological features, deposits or artefacts were identified within the remaining test trenches excavated across the development site.