2012:569 - RIVER CLODIAGH (Rathkeenan Td.), RIVER SUIR (Holycross Td.), and POULANEUGH RIVER (Archerstown Td.), Tipperary

Assessment was undertaken at three river impact locations associated with the Thurles Regional Water Supply Scheme (TRWSS).

The first of these, Area AR23, is located on the east bank of the River Clodiagh, upstream of Rathkennan Bridge, at the proposed site for a water intake system for the TRWSS. The second, Area AR26, is located a short distance upstream of the Zone of Archaeological Potential associated with Holycross Abbey (TN047-030001) and crosses the River Suir. It is proposed to insert a water pipeline across the River Suir at this location. The final location, Area AR32, is located 5m downstream of Archerstown Bridge, crossing the Poulaneigh River. A millrace, forming part of TN41-067 (mill complex), is located a short distance to the east.

Systematic visual inspection and magnetometer survey of the riverbed and the attendant banks structures was undertaken at each of the proposed river impact locations by diving and waded inspection. Assessment at Area AR23 was undertaken across an 80m stretch of the River Clodiagh, Area AR26 included a 70m stretch of the River Suir, and the survey area at AR32 encompassed a 40m of the Poulaneigh River (plus the adjacent millrace). In addition, a visual survey and assessment of Archerstown Bridge was included as part the archaeological work undertaken at Area AR32. The above surveys included direct visual inspection of the riverbed and attendant bank structures at each location.

Two features of historical significance are located within the assessment area at Area AR23 on the Clodiagh River. Feature F01 (Rathkeenan Bridge) and Feature F02 (masonry from possible weir), however, are located well outside the wayleave for the proposed intake location and remain unaffected by the development.

A number of historic features were encountered as part of the assessment at Area AR26 on the River Suir above Holy Cross Abbey. These include Features F03 and F04 (remains of a possible fish weir), and Feature F05 (section of a revetment wall). These features are located a short distance upstream (north) of the proposed pipeline crossing point.

Three features of historic significance were encountered as part of the assessment at Area AR32 on the Poulaneigh River. These include Feature F06 (a millrace), Feature F07 (a culvert), and Feature F08 (Archerstown Bridge). A comprehensive assessment and condition report on Archerstown Bridge was included as part of the archaeological work undertaken at this location.

The assessment at each river location was both systematic and comprehensive, a detailed record of each of the identified archaeological/historic features being made. In addition, river topography was also recorded at each of the impact locations. The on-site survey of Area AR23 and Area AR26 was undertaken on 22 June 2012. The on-site survey of Area AR32 was undertaken on 3 September 2012.