2004:0756 - N22 GORTATLEA–INCHINVEEMA, Kerry

The National Roads Authority is undertaking a programme of works to upgrade the N22 between Cork and Tralee. Part of this work involves the realignment of c. 3.8km of the N22 between Gortatlea and Inchinveema townlands, Farranfore, Co. Kerry. The proposed route runs through portions of the townlands of Glanbane, Garraundarragh, Urrohogal and Inchinveema. An assessment was undertaken on behalf of Kerry County Council comprising four elements. Phase 1 consisted of the excavation of test-trenches at the site of a potential fulacht fiadh identified in the impact assessment undertaken by Kerry County Council in 2000 (No. 757, Excavations 2004, 04E0105). Phase 2 involved the excavation of test-trenches on the centre-line and offsets on the entire proposed realignment route (this licence). Phase 3 consisted of an assessment of standing structures of architectural heritage. Phase four was an assessment of the river crossings by Julianna O'Donoghue (No. 758, Excavations 2004, 04R006 and 007 and 04D006).

The centre-line testing involved the excavation of a 2m-wide trench with offset trenches at each side at intervals of 25m. The offset trenches were excavated to the limits of the site boundary or CPO line. Two new sites were recorded; a fulacht fiadh was recorded and subsequently excavated by Niamh O'Callaghan under licence 04E0646 (No. 752, Excavations 2004). The western extent of a ringfort (SMR 39:71) was recorded and subsequently excavated by Niamh O'Callaghan under licence 04E0648 (No. 753, Excavations 2004). No archaeological artefacts were recorded in any of the trenches on the route.

Monitoring of topsoil-stripping on part of the route was undertaken during construction works (No. 759, Excavations 2004, 04E1155).

Ballycurreen Industrial Estate, Kinsale Road, Cork