2010:581 - Lough Key, Rockingham Demesne, Roscommon

Underwater assessment took place of the lakebed and shoreline adjacent to the existing 19th-century quayside and harbour located in the south-western corner of Lough Key (NIAH number 31906003), Rockingham Demesne, Co. Roscommon. The proposed development is located within the grounds of Rockingham estate (now Lough Key Forest Park), 400m south-west of Castle Island, the historic stronghold of the medieval lord of Moylurg, the McDermott. As part of the development it is proposed to insert a floating breakwater measuring 80m in length and a series of floating moorings to accommodate 40 berths on the southern shoreline of Lough Key, adjacent to Rockingham townland. In addition, it is proposed to construct an associated service block to facilitate the in-water development.
The assessment focused on the immediate impact area, and sought to identify and record the location, nature and dimensions of any archaeological features, fabric or artefacts that may be impacted by the proposed in-water development. In addition, a buffer zone was incorporated into the archaeological survey, extending the survey up to 30m east, 20m south and 20m north of the in-water impact area.
The area of lakebed under assessment may be considered to have the potential to retain material of archaeological significance; however, the survey did not encounter any material of archaeological interest. In fact, it is to the landward side of the survey area that interest is drawn, with the presence of the 19th-century harbour, located to the south of the proposed development. This structure, while noteworthy, is located outside the development footprint and will remain unaffected by the proposed mooring works.