2012:589 - MULLAGHMENA AVENUE, OMAGH, Tyrone

The proposed development is located on a sub-rectangular field to the immediate east of Mullaghmena Avenue on the north-west outskirts of Omagh in County Tyrone. Located along Mullaghmena Avenue is a housing development constructed approximately six years ago and the current proposals relate to the extension of this development with the construction of nine dwellings, associated garages, access road, services and landscaping.
There are 10 recorded archaeological sites within a 1.5km radius of the proposed development site with one site, enclosure TYR034-005, located to the immediate south-east. Historic cartographic evidence suggests that the north-west extent of this enclosure actually extends into the south-east area of the proposed development, although there are no longer any traces visible above ground.
The site was tested prior to development by means of a series of mechanically excavated test trenches. The initial testing regime consisted of seven trenches specifically placed to examine the projected line of the former enclosure, as well as testing for the presence of sub-surface archaeological remains, elsewhere on the site.
Testing was carried out on 9 and 10 January 2012. One possible archaeological feature was uncovered consisting of a circular feature 0.4m in diameter. Further testing uncovered linear features which were very similar, approximately 3m in diameter and filled with grey/brown clay. Examination revealed that they are part of an enclosing ditch, which curved south-west to north-east across the south-east corner of the proposed development. The alignment of this ditch corresponds with the projected line of the enclosure (TYR034-005). Additional possible archaeological features, including an oval patch of charcoal, were uncovered within the interior of this enclosure; these have been recorded on plan and left in situ.

Archaeological Development Services Ltd, 96 University Street, Belfast, BT7 1HE.