2013:463 - Clock Tower Site, Mitchell Street, Tipperary, Tipperary

A programme of archaeological investigation and monitoring was carried out between 12 and 20 June 2013 at the former Clock Tower Site, Mitchell Street, Tipperary Town. This work was carried out by Mark Moraghan and assisted by Niall Gregory on behalf of Aldi (Ireland) Ltd. The site of the development is partially located within the zone of archaeological potential of Tipperary Town (TS067-004). Monitoring of ground disturbance and topsoil stripping was required as a condition of planning.

In 2006 this site was subject to test excavation by Rose Cleary (05E1417), as part of a previous planning application. The report concluded that the development would have no impact, either archaeologically or visually on any of the known monuments within the town. The testing uncovered evidence for modern dumping at the southern end of the site and this area was recommended to be further examined. This recommendation forms part of the planning authority conditions for the present development.  The investigation of this area however did not reveal any archaeological material.

The subsoil on the site comprised orange silty sand with occasional decayed stone. The topsoil generally measured between 0.3–0.4m deep, varying to 0.2–0.25m deep in the southern part of the site and up to 0.9m deep in the north and east of the site close to the site boundaries. The topsoil contained red brick fragments, gravel, charcoal and one clay pipe stem fragment.

A number of features exposed during monitoring were investigated, however none were deemed to be of archaeological importance. These features were as follows: residue of a possible footpath; an oval area of fire-reddened subsoil; a linear boundary ditch and a small area of fire-reddened subsoil. No other features of archaeological significance were identified.

Courtney Deery Heritage Consultancy Ltd, 65 Mountain View Drive, Boghall Road, Bray, Co. Wicklow.