2010:768 - River Banogue and its tributary, Gorey Corporation Lands and Millands, Wexford

Non-disturbance assessment took place of three sections of river channel as part of the archaeological mitigation measures for the proposed Gorey OPW minor flood alleviation works. The sections of waterway identified for assessment included: Area 1, River Banogue at Railway Bridge, Gorey Corporation lands; Area 2, River Banogue at Garden Centre Bridge, Gorey Corporation lands; and Area 3, tributary of the River Banogue at Millands Bridge, Millands townland.
Visual inspection was employed to assess the archaeological potential at each area. Magnetometry survey by hand-held metal detection was deemed impractical across most of the waterway survey locations due to the high degree of vegetation cover and the large amount of modern metallic debris present. A sizeable buffer zone was included at each survey location, extending the survey a minimum of 20m either side of the proposed river works. Detailed descriptions of river topography and bottom composition were made at each river location. A photographic and video record of the existing river environment was made and, where possible, metal-detector anomalies were inspected.
The area under assessment lies within an archaeologically and historically rich landscape, a potential highlighted by the excavation of prehistoric material and two possible occupation sites within Gorey Corporation lands. However, it is also clear that the sections of waterway under assessment have been adapted during the 19th and 20th century, altering the natural river course at each survey location. In addition, considerable modern development of the lands adjacent to each watercourse has taken place. As such, one can conclude that the archaeological potential of these river areas has been diminished.