2012:242 - Portmarnock/Maynetown, Dublin

Monitoring was carried out at Portmarnock and Maynestown as part of a large-scale residential development. Two RMP sites are located within the proposed development area: a mound (DU015-014) and an enclosure (DU015-055). A 20m buffer zone will be designated around the RMP sites and they will be preserved in situ within green areas as part of the development. A large amount of assessment, including geophysical survey and testing, has been carried out in the area since 2000 by Margaret Gowen and Co. Ltd (Excavations 2000, Nos 328 [00E0732] and 335 [00E0731], Angela Wallace; Excavations 2004, No. 633 [04E1415], Sinéad Phelan; Excavations 2008, No. 477 [07E0574], Colm Moriarty). The remains of a medieval settlement fronting onto Station Road were excavated by Colm Moriarty in the northern portion of the proposed development area (Excavations 2008, No. 485, 08E0376).

Works included the monitoring in a flat tillage field adjacent to Portmarnock Railway Station of an area measuring 30m by 20m, which was stripped of topsoil for the site compound. A 30-tonne mechanical excavator with a 2.5m-wide grading bucket was used. The depth of topsoil was 0.25-0.35m. A 100m long trench was also excavated for power cables along the western edge of the site boundary. The trench was 1.3m wide and 0.9m deep. No features of archaeological significance were identified during the course of works.

As part of the enabling works, two buffer zones were established around the two RMP sites. This was achieved by using a 0.3m diameter screw auger to excavate the post-hole. The depth of the post-hole was around 0.65m. Approximately 70 post-holes were drilled to surround the mound and 130 post-holes to surround the enclosure.

Irish Archaeological Consultancy Ltd, 120b Greenpark Road, Bray, Co. Wicklow