County: Donegal Site name: Killybegs Harbour
Sites and Monuments Record No.: DG097-012 Licence number: 13D027, 13R076
Author: Rex Bangerter
Site type: Seabed
Period/Dating: —
ITM: E 571945m, N 876926m
Latitude, Longitude (decimal degrees): 54.639759, -8.434599
A non-disturbance archaeological assessment of two seabed impact areas associated with the proposed upgrade of the existing fishmeal processing plant within Killybegs Harbour was undertaken on 16 July 2013. The first impact (Area 1) is associated with the proposed extension of an existing Seawater Intake at NGR: 171987E, 376930N. The second impact (Area 2) is associated with the proposed installation of a new Outfall Pipe at NGR: 171721E, 376612N.
The outfall location (Area 2) is located within the historic town of Killybegs (DG097-012). The intake location (Area 1) is located 230m north-north-east of this zone of archaeological potential.
Systematic visual survey of the seabed within the development areas was undertaken. The archaeological work included intertidal survey (undertaken at Low Water) and a dive survey of the sub-tidal sections of the two seabed impact locations. Where practicable, a metal-detection survey (Fisher Aquanaut 1280U) was undertaken to identify the location and spread of any sub-surface metallic objects.
The area of seabed identified for archaeological assessment at the intake location, Area 1, measured 40m in length (north-west/south-east) and 4m in width and comprises of sub-tidal seabed. Assessment was concentrated within the footprint of the proposed intake extension; however, a sizeable buffer zone was also incorporated into the survey, assessment extending across a 44m x 20m area of seabed.
The area of seabed identified for archaeological assessment at the outfall location, Area 2, measures 35m in length (north-west/south-east) and 4m in width. This comprises largely of sub-tidal seabed, with a small intertidal section (5m x 4m) on the landward side that forms part of a training wall. Assessment was concentrated within the footprint of the proposed outfall. However, as carried out at Area 1, a sizeable buffer zone was also incorporated into the survey, extending the assessment across a 44m x 20m area of seabed.
Apart from the existing Training Wall (constructed in late 19th century), located on the landward side of the proposed outfall (Area 2), no features, deposits, structures, or material of archaeological or historic significance were encountered as part of the assessment at either of impact location.
The Archaeological Diving Company Ltd, Brehon House, Castlecomer, Co. Kilkenny
