County: Offaly Site name: SHANNONBRIDGE
Sites and Monuments Record No.: N/A Licence number: 02E0451
Author: Jane Whitaker, ADS Ltd.
Site type: No archaeology found
Period/Dating: N/A
ITM: E 597017m, N 725479m
Latitude, Longitude (decimal degrees): 53.279632, -8.044721
Two phases of monitoring were carried out in the environs of Shannonbridge power station to facilitate the construction of an access road and a new power station. Surrounding the existing power station are several ash-deposit pits, as well as many power lines both above and below ground. The development area was considered to be of potential archaeological sensitivity because of its location near to the River Shannon and industrial raised bogs.
The first phase of work was carried out in May 2002, when ground reduction before the construction of a new access road was monitored. This road was being constructed across old ash-disposal ponds. Because it was to have ducting laid along the length of its sub-base, there was thought to be a probability of disturbing the original ground surface. However, there was a far greater depth of ash than previously thought, and the original ground surface was not encountered.
The second phase was carried out in September and October 2002. Monitoring of the first stages of the preparatory groundworks required to facilitate the construction of the power station was carried out. It appeared that in the environs of the existing power station the ground level had built up considerably in places with ash waste deposits, brick and disturbed subsoil. The site of the new power station had been badly disturbed over the years.
Windsor House, 11 Fairview Strand, Fairview, Dublin 3
