2000:1078 - ARKLOW TOWN GAS PIPELINE, Wicklow

The proposed development involves the placement of a feeder mains pipeline from Rathnew to Arklow Town, Co. Wicklow. In general the proposed pipe-trench will measure between 0.29m and 0.45m and will be excavated to a total depth of 0.9m. Desk study for the project stated that this pipeline will marginally affect the areas of archaeological potential in both Arklow and Wicklow towns.

In Arklow, the route entered the zone of archaeological potential in an area corresponding to the original harbour. The main area of concern in relation to Arklow is the crossing of the Avoca. If the riverbed is disturbed, archaeological material might well come to light. Artefacts have been found in relation to this river crossing, and therefore the potential in this instance is high.

The archaeologically sensitive riverbed under the main bridge into the town from the north will be bypassed, as planning permission has been approved to strap the pipeline to the side of the bridge. A buffer zone 100m on either side of the bridge remains unexcavated at this time.

Trenching on the South Quays has been completed. In the first section opened, south-east of the buffer zone and extending for about 150m, a 0.5m-deep concrete road surface sealed 1.6m+ of infill. The fill was mainly composed of sand, course gravel and pockets of large cobbles and clay. As stated in the archaeological appraisal, this appears to be part of recent construction work.

Further south and for the length of the quay, the underlying stratigraphy was composed of natural yellow/red, sandy clay sealed by the road surface.

No archaeological features or deposits were encountered in this phase of monitoring. The project will continue in 2001.

2 Killiney View, Albert Road Lower, Glenageary, Co. Dublin