2002:0894 - CLONCURRY (Site 14), Kildare

An excavation was carried out before the proposed M4 road development, at Cloncurry, Co. Kildare, from 24 October to 1 November 2002. Two areas were initially opened for excavation.
Linear testing was undertaken by Dermot Nelis in all areas of land-take before the start of construction works between 11 February and 10 April 2002 (No. 908, Excavations 2002, 02E0141). Site 14 was identified during testing; it consisted of an undefined series of pits, in two concentrations, spread over a distance of 125m. It was recommended that these remains be fully excavated before construction works.

After the stripping of the two areas identified for excavation, it became apparent that they were outside the proposed land-take and that the original centre-line test-trench had veered outside the western wayleave boundary. After consultation, it was decided to backfill and preserve the archaeology in situ.

There was subsequent agreement to excavate the centre-line and offset test-trenches along the correct line to reassess the potential archaeological impact of the scheme. A total of 320m of north–south centre-line trench was excavated by a mechanical excavator fitted with a toothless bucket. In addition, offset trenches were opened at right angles, alternately to the east and west, at intervals of 25m. No features/ deposits of archaeological interest were identified.

The results suggest that there will be no direct negative impact on the archaeological resource as a result of the development. However, it is possible that features associated with those initially identified survive in localised areas within the land-take. It was recommended that all topsoil-stripping associated with the road construction in this area be monitored because of the proximity of the potential archaeology identified in the original testing.

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