2009:315 - LEO STREET/NORTH CIRCULAR ROAD/PARNELL SQUARE EAST/O’CONNELL STREET/D’OLIER STREET/WESTMORELAND STREET/KING STREET SOUTH, DUBLIN, Dublin

Monitoring of 29 slit-trenches was undertaken to the north and south of Dublin city centre between 18 May and 5 July 2009. These trenches were opened to identify existing utilities and associated features including underground culverts and basements. This investigation was carried out on behalf of the Road Procurement Agency as part of the design and construction of the proposed Metro North light rail project.
Excavation of all 29 trenches resulted in the temporary removal of the pavement and/or carriageway. The permanent surfaces were removed using a con-saw and jackhammer. Each trench was subsequently hand-dug. On completion of archaeological and utility recording and survey, the trenches were backfilled and the appropriate surface reinstated.
Post-medieval deposits were identified in trenches on Leo Street, O’Connell Street, D’Olier Street and Westmoreland Street. Many archaeological deposits investigated were deemed not to be in situ. These deposits were either imported garden soils or building rubble used to raise the surrounding ground level. In recent times these deposits became further disturbed with the introduction of new utilities. The ceilings of red brick cellars were identified in trenches on Parnell Square East, D’Olier Street and Westmoreland Street. A mortared surface and a red brick coal chute were identified in trenches on Parnell Square East. A possible stone wall was identified in a trench on O’Connell Street and a metalled surface in a trench on D’Olier Street. All of the archaeological features and deposits encountered were post-medieval in date.