2007:1918 - Mullingar, Westmeath

Monitoring took place on the grounds of the Westmeath County Council County Buildings in advance of an extension to the existing offices. The development involves the construction of an extended L-shaped structure containing a library, café and curvilinear office block. It incorporates a significant part of the remains of an 18th-century gaol into its design and a piled foundation had been used to preserve these remains. Sections of the surviving walls were covered with sand, terram and stone to facilitate vehicle access. Subsequently a series of archaeological works were carried out from April to October 2007. These included the monitoring of geo-technical boreholes, the installation of an access ramp and spoil removal, the pre-excavation of pile shafts, the excavation of a cobbled surface, archaeological supervision of the demolition of a wall (with a view to partial reconstruction), the pre-excavation of piles and monitoring of drainage and ground reduction.
The County Building Complex is listed on the Record of Protected Structures (B145 and B107) in the County Development Plan and this protection extends to the existing structures within the complex and the boundary wall. The site also lies within the designated urban archaeological zone for Mullingar and WM019–051(01) and WM019–051(02) are within the site.
Monitoring has ensured the continued preservation (either by record or in situ) of structures associated with the 18th-century gaol. Further monitoring is required as drainage works have not yet been completed.