2010:117 - Cobh, Cork

A maritime cultural heritage impact assessment was carried out of a proposed marina development at White Point, Cobh, Co. Cork, on 14 June 2010. The timing of the survey coincided with a spring tide and therefore the maximum foreshore was visible at low water. Water visibility at the time of the survey was moderate and the maximum recorded water depth was 13.8m.
The assessment was commissioned in order to locate, define and ascertain the character, condition and extent of any archaeological features, deposits or objects which may be affected by the development. The area in the vicinity of the harbour development has a rich and varied history which has been intrinsically influenced by the surrounding seascape. The area today is an urban seascape. The RMP records the presence of a number of monuments in the wider area dating as far back as the Neolithic and there is also evidence for Mesolithic activity in the area.
The desktop assessment indicated that the site was of moderate archaeological potential. The National Shipwreck Inventory recorded a considerable number of shipwrecks in the general area; however, none of these were specific to White Point. The RMP indicated that there has been little or no recorded human activity in the survey area.
The results of the diver visual and metal-detection survey recorded that there were no archaeological deposits or features on the seafloor in the development zone. Based on the results of the desktop assessment and the diver survey, it would appear that the site is of low to moderate archaeological potential. Given the relatively minor impact of the mooring chain and anchor method proposed for the marina development, it was recommended that the project proceed without further archaeological constraints.