2009:319 - O’CONNELL STREET, DUBLIN, Dublin

Monitoring of two slit-trenches on O’Connell Street, Dublin, was undertaken 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. The trenches were located to the north-east and north-west of the O’Connell statue monument. In accordance with the conditions set out in the consent issued, a metal-detection device was employed to assist with finds retrieval (consent number R140). The spoil excavated from both trenches was spread by hand and all finds present collected.
Excavation of the two trenches resulted in the temporary removal of the pavement and/or carriageway to the north-east and north-west of the O’Connell statue monument. 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.
Modern utilities were located under disturbed post-medieval garden soil deposits. These deposits were possibly introduced to raise the surrounding ground level and in recent times have become further disturbed by the introduction of utilities.
A number of artefacts recovered from these trenches also reflected the disturbed and mixed nature of some of the deposits. They included three sherds of dark-green onion bottle glass, two flint flakes, three post-medieval creamware pottery sherds, a green-glazed pottery sherd and a ceramic tobacco pipe stem, a late medieval strap handle, Frecken ware, and several sherds of post-medieval pottery.