2000:0306 - KILGOBBIN, Dublin

A test excavation was carried out to assess the potential negative impact on the archaeological record of a sewer pipeline proposed to service the Meadowfield Lodge housing development on the Ballyogan Road, Kilgobbin, Co. Dublin.

The excavation involved the opening of two trenches, one at the site of a possible linear feature identified from an aerial photograph in the course of a desktop assessment of the development. This potential feature was located towards the southern end of the development. No evidence for the feature was uncovered, and the trench revealed only natural geological layers.

The second trench was located at the point at which the pipeline corridor intersected a section of the Pale defences. The upstanding remains in this area comprised a scarp over 2m in height with a small watercourse near its base. Upon investigation, the scarp was found to be a natural landscape feature with no evidence of human interference. It was not possible to investigate the watercourse at this time, and this was subsequently undertaken during monitoring of the insertion of the pipeline.

Monitoring of all topsoil removal associated with the development was undertaken, and this included monitoring of the insertion of the pipeline across the Pale defences. No further archaeological material was identified, and there were no indications that the scarp and watercourse that form the Pale defences are anything other than natural formations.