2003:0202 - CHARLEVILL TO NEWMARKET, Cork

Monitoring of the Charleville to Newmarket 110kV line development in County Cork was carried out on behalf of ESBI Ltd. This work commenced in February and was completed in July 2003.

A previous cultural heritage report by CRDS Ltd (November 2001) indicated that there were a significant number of archaeological sites in the area and in addition a number of potential archaeological sites. Following consultation with Dúchas, a programme of pre-development testing of selected locations was agreed, followed by monitoring under the same licence.

Archaeological remains were found at four pole set sites during testing and monitoring of the line. In each case, it was possible to relocate the pole set position to avoid the archaeological deposits.

Pole Set 21 (149342 119502): Charcoal-rich material and cremated bone were found during testing and monitoring of this pole set, suggesting that a possible prehistoric feature is present. The site is located 50m east-south-east of the remains of a ringfort (SMR 7:35).

Pole Set 14 (150477 119704): A linear feature associated with and physically related to the site of Milltown Castle (SMR 7:39) (in adjacent field) was uncovered during monitoring.

Pole Set 84 (field adjacent to) (13876 11519): This field holds three monuments: SMR 6:77(01) (holy well), 6:77(02) (graveyard) and 6:77(03) (possible church). During monitoring of a temporary pole near the northern boundary, material typical of a fulacht fiadh was exposed.

Pole Set 117 (adjacent to) (13380 11070): Whilst monitoring PS117, a previously unrecorded limekiln was discovered 80m west of the pole set.

A number of non-archaeological features were also encountered, including field drains and boundaries, and a disused quarry. These were recorded and their locations noted.

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