1993:141 - PORTLAOISE: 88-89 Main St., Laois

Archaeological investigations were conducted on behalf of Ken Black Ltd., who wished to develop the site and expand an existing business premises. The site, at the rear of the premises, located to the south of the Main St., was situated within the area of archaeological potential, as designated by the Urban Survey (Bradley et al, 1987, Urban Archaeological Survey, Part IV, Co. Laois). Planning permission for the development was granted by Laois County Council and included a number of conditions, one of which stated that "an archaeological appraisal" of the site be conducted prior to the commencement of development. To this end, a site evaluation, to determine the nature of any possible sub-surface archaeology, was conducted on 28th-29th October. Three trenches were opened by machine, two running north-south and the other running east-west across the site. The only archaeological features of note uncovered were the remains of an east-west running trench in the western half of the site and a stone-lined drain/soakage trench running east-west across the centre of the site. However, no material finds associated with these features were recovered which were indicative of date. Since the impact of the proposed development on the archaeological deposits was minimal, no further archaeological investigation was deemed necessary.

19 Monread Gardens, Sallins Rd., Naas,Co. Kildare