2026:286 - Killenaule, Tipperary

Tipperary County Council undertook a Safe Routes to School development at St Mary’s Central National School, Killenaule, Co. Tipperary. The project was delivered in collaboration with the school, the National Transport Authority and An Taisce Green-Schools to improve safety around the school and encourage more walking to and from school. The works included improvements to footpaths, pedestrian crossings, road junctions, signage, road markings and bus stops, together with associated drainage and other groundworks. The development covered approximately 2,000m² centred on ITM 622047 646595.

The development is located within the historic town of Killenaule, with the southern part of the works lying within the archaeological Zone of Notification for the medieval town. Killenaule has a long history of settlement, with the present town developing on the site of a medieval settlement. A number of recorded archaeological sites are located in the wider area, including a well and the remains of a medieval motte and bailey. Previous archaeological monitoring undertaken in Killenaule during water main works found no archaeological remains.

Archaeological monitoring of the groundworks was undertaken between 19 August and 8 September 2026. This included monitoring the removal and replacement of footpaths, excavation for new kerbing and drainage works. The majority of the excavations exposed modern road and footpath materials over natural subsoil or bedrock. No previously unknown archaeological features, deposits or artefacts were identified during the works.

A largely intact 19^th-century limestone culverted drain was identified beneath the western side of the road. The drain ran for approximately 63m parallel to the road and was located approximately 0.3m below the road surface. The feature was recorded at two locations and the proposed works were adjusted to avoid disturbance to it. The drain is considered a historic drainage feature of local heritage value rather than an archaeological site.