2009:621 - MAYFIELD, Mayo

Pre-development testing was carried out as part of an impact assessment for a proposed childcare centre, access road, car-parking and site services at Mayfield, Claremorris, Co. Mayo. The site is located within 100m of MA101–092 (crann)g), which is located on Mayfield Lough directly north-west of the proposed development.
One trench was located on the footprint of the proposed access road. Immediately beneath the grass and fen was a well-humified peat. This measured between 1.6m and 2.8m in total depth and overlay chalky white silt. The trench was excavated from south to north for c. 12m and then extended eastward for a further 12m. On consultation with the engineers regarding the depth of the peat, we were advised that a floating road would be constructed on top of the peat. Upon receipt of this information, it was decided to abandon all remaining trenches for the proposed access roads
A second trench was excavated within the footprint of the proposed building. It was excavated in two parts owing to the presence of overhead electricity wires. The western part of the trench measured 25.2m in length. The peat was 1.8–2.9m in depth, being deeper towards the east. General waste was evident within the peat at the eastern extent of this section of trench. The eastern part of the trench was 11.1m in length. This cut through a ridge which consisted of made-up ground composed of general household and construction waste. Excavation revealed that this whole area was disturbed and waste material was evident for a depth of 2.7m. This overlay peat, which was excavated for a further 0.2m. Excavation ceased at 2.9m depth.
No archaeological features, finds or deposits were uncovered during testing.