2009:629 - MEATH WATER CONSERVATION PROJECT, Meath

Monitoring of Geotechnical Site Investigations, undertaken with respect to the County Meath Water Conservation Scheme Phase 2, was carried out on a phased basis between 5 May and 24 September 2009. The overall site investigations programme had been subjected to an archaeological impact assessment which suggested that all investigations within, and in the immediate environs of, the urban zones of archaeological potential established for Athboy, Kells and Duleek be monitored by an archaeologist. This mitigation strategy was agreed with the National Monuments Service, DoEHLG.
Investigations at Athboy led to the discovery of wall remains at Bridge Street and these may relate to the former town defences. The form and nature of the remains, which were not investigated, indicate that the remains of a former town gate may have been uncovered at a depth of c. 1.3m below the present street surface. In addition, organic-rich silty soil deposits were uncovered towards the southern end of Connaught Street and western end of Main Street. Sherds of medieval pottery, a leather offcut, shell and animal bone were recovered from these deposits and it is suggested that these may be medieval in origin. In addition, medieval and post-medieval pottery was recovered from mixed backfill deposits of modern service trenches along Connaught Street, Main Street and Bridge Street.
The only feature of note uncovered at Kells was a fragment of wall uncovered on the outside edge of a footpath at Castle Street. While this feature may be of postmedieval or modern origin, and associated with a former culvert, it is noted that it lies on, or immediately adjacent to, the postulated line of the outer monastic enclosure.

Investigations at Duleek led to the discovery of two walls, each located on the southern side of the eastern extent of Main Street. A coin of late 18th/early 19thcentury date was recovered from the foundation trench of one of the walls and it is considered that both walls may date to this period and that they were subsequently demolished in the late 19th/early 20th century when the street was realigned and widened. A number of sherds of medieval and postmedieval pottery were recovered from investigations in the Abbeyland area of the town, although these were not associated with any archaeological deposits or features.
The results of the monitoring will be incorporated into the archaeological impact assessment to be prepared with respect to the overall proposed water conservation scheme, which will suggest appropriate archaeological mitigation strategies.