County: Kilkenny Site name: River Nore, Kilkenny
Sites and Monuments Record No.: N/A Licence number: 10E323; 10D037; 10R107
Author: Rex Bangerter, The Archaeological Diving Company Ltd, Brehon House, Castlecomer, Co. Kilkenny.
Site type: Riverine; no archaeological significance
Period/Dating: —
ITM: E 650521m, N 656460m
Latitude, Longitude (decimal degrees): 52.656976, -7.253251
Underwater archaeological investigation took place of two sections of riverbed that will be impacted on by the insertion of a proposed bridge crossing associated with the Kilkenny central access scheme (KCAS).
The proposed River Nore Bridge crossing (RC1) is located within the historic town boundary identified for Kilkenny city (KK019–026). Two in-water pile clusters will support the structure, and will form the foundations for a bridge that is to extend from the west bank of the Nore to the east bank at the Peace Park.
The investigation sought to identify and record the location, nature and dimensions of any archaeological material, deposits, or structures that may be impacted on by the proposed development at each of the pile cluster locations. Two investigation trenches were placed across the proposed impact areas: Trench 1, centred on NGR 250608 156415, in anticipation of the western bridge pier; Trench 2, centred on NGR 250634 156414, in anticipation of the eastern bridge pier. Both trenches were excavated to a minimum depth of 1.8m below the existing riverbed levels, and continued until sterile river clays were reached, which are determined to represent the undisturbed natural stratum that lies below any archaeologically significant deposits. A tracked machine was used to assist in the excavation of Trench 1. Machine access was not possible to assist with the excavation of Trench 2, which was investigated manually with the assistance of a water dredge.
The investigation was comprehensive and visual assessment extended beyond the immediate trench locations. No archaeologically significant materials, deposits, or structures were observed. The river gravels which form the surface deposits in this section of the River Nore no longer appear to retain material of archaeological interest. It is clear that previous river dredging works undertaken as part of the River Nore flood alleviation scheme have resolved much of the archaeological potential once associated with the river as it flows through the heart of the medieval town.
