2007:370 - MULROY BAY, Donegal

Non-disturbance assessment and metal-detector survey took place of the construction footprint of three in-water pier structures and one foreshore pier structure associated with the Mulroy Bridge development scheme, Carrickart, Co. Donegal. Two intermediate pier structures are to be located at NGR 215439 437553 (Chainage 1499m) and NGR 2156719 437547 (Chainage 1751m). Two large in-water piers are to be located at NGR 215505 437551 (southern pier, Chainage 1565m) and NGR 215605 437548 (northern pier, Chainage 1665m). These main pier structures will measure 18m in length by 10m in width and will be underpinned by a series of twelve (7m long by 0.3m wide) piles.

A strong current of 4–51 knots was noted during both the filling and the ebb tides. The dive survey was undertaken during the tide change, at which time the current fell to around 2 knots; no ‘slack-water’ period was evident at this site. Due to the diving conditions present, it was not possible to undertake a metal-detection survey. A maximum depth of 14m was recorded for each of the dives and underwater visibility was extremely good, ranging between 5m and 10m.

Detailed descriptions of seabed topography and bottom composition were made at each of the proposed pier locations. The assessment of the three in-water and one foreshore impact area was comprehensive and extended beyond the boundaries identified for pier impact areas. No archaeologically significant materials, structures or deposits were observed during either the in-water or foreshore assessment. In addition, the compact nature of the seabed, coupled with high water velocities present within this section of Mulroy Bay, provides an extremely poor holding content for archaeological material.

Brehon House, Castlecomer, Co. Kilkenny