2007:315 - RINGASKIDDY, Cork

A programme of testing was carried out at Ringaskiddy, Co. Cork, in July 2007. The proposed development entails the construction of a monoclonal antibody (MAB) facility for the manufacture of a cell culture drug substance. The site is located adjacent to the current Pfizer Inc. Ringaskiddy API facility and constitutes a portion of the former ADM Ringaskiddy facility. The ADM facility will be demolished prior to construction and the proposed MAB site will be located on the car parking/roads/landscaped areas of the former ADM site and will not include the footprint of any former buildings or tank farms. The proposed development is c. 10 acres in area. The development is close to CO087–061 and CO087–106.

An inspection of the site was carried out as part of an overall EIS in March 2007. No archaeological features were noted at this time. Further investigation of aerial images indicated a circular cropmark at the western extent of the site. Testing was carried out in order to examine the nature and extent of this feature. Two test-trenches were excavated. Nothing of archaeological significance was noted during the course of testing. It is the author’s opinion that the aerial anomaly is a geological feature.

Although nothing of archaeological significance was noted during the course of testing, given the extent of the proposed development it was recommended that, during the course of construction, topsoil-stripping be monitored. Monitoring took place on 2–3 October 2007. No archaeological features were discovered during topsoil removal within the footprint of the proposed development (c. 2 acres).