2006:383 - Ringaskiddy, Cork Harbour, Cork

Non-disturbance underwater archaeological assessment of 33 seabed anomalies identified by a side-scan sonar survey was undertaken in November 2005. The proposed development is on the south side of Cork Harbour at Ringaskiddy and comprises the construction of a multi-purpose berth and storage facility at the ADM jetty and a container terminal with RO–RO berth at Oysterbank. While the underwater assessment was focused on the side-scan target locations, a sizeable buffer zone was incorporated into the dive survey, with circular searches that extended the survey up to 30m around each target location. Particular attention was paid to recording seabed topography and bottom composition at each dive location. The assessment was comprehensive and identified all but two of the 33 side-scan targets. All material encountered was either of natural composition or of modern origin. The visual seabed inspection and side-scan sonar survey has revealed a low potential for surface archaeological remains located within the ADM and Oysterbank sites.