2007:441 - Castleknock, Dublin

A pre-development test excavation was carried out in Castleknock within a section of the development corridor for the proposed Blanchardstown regional drainage scheme, on behalf of Fingal County Council. The works were carried out on 25–26 September 2007. Testing was undertaken here due to the proximity of the proposed pipeline route to the site of an early medieval cemetery.
The proposed development will extend along the banks of the River Tolka and the Royal Canal, crossing through the townlands of Parslickstown, Coolmine, Buzzardstown, Corduff, Deanestown, Blanchardstown, Castleknock and Ashtown. At the time of writing the exact route of the proposed pipeline within the development corridor, other than at Castleknock, had not been confirmed. It is estimated that the proposed pipe trench will measure between 2.5m and 4m in width and require an associated machine wayleave of up to 20m in width during its construction phase. An assessment of the proposed development identified the section immediately west and south of the early medieval cemetery as being of significant archaeological potential. The current investigations were undertaken to confirm whether any associated archaeological remains were located in this section of the pipeline route and its associated wayleave.
Two test-trenches were excavated across the previously undisturbed sections of the pipeline route. Metal detecting of soil excavated during testing was also undertaken (Licence 07R160). No archaeological features were exposed during testing and no archaeologically significant finds were recovered.
It was proposed that a test excavation also be undertaken at the Tolka River. Unfortunately, it proved impossible to access the area with suitable machinery during the current phase of works.