2014:080 - RIVER NORE, Island Mill, Grennan Td and Burrellspark Td, Thomastown, Kilkenny

Island Weir is situated within the River Nore, c. 400m upstream of Thomastown Bridge, Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny, and forms part of a mill complex dating from the late 18th century; Island Flour Mill being located on the south side of the river (Grennan td) and Ardland’s Inch Corn Mill to the north (Burrellspark td). Both mill structures are listed in the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (NIAH); Island Mill, NIAH number: 12317080, Ardland’s Inch Mill, NIAH number: 12317081. Island Mill is also listed in the Record of Protected Structures (RPS) in the Kilkenny County Development Plan (RPS number D58). While the weir structure itself is not listed in either inventory, it forms an integral part of the history and development of the aforementioned mill sites, retaining an historic significance as well as being of interest within the field of Industrial Archaeology.

The structural integrity of the weir was compromised in February 2008, when the central section of the structure was washed away during a period of heavy flooding. In response, a comprehensive archaeological assessment of Island Weir was undertaken (2009) to provide a detailed record of the extent/condition of the remaining weir sections and ascertain their long-term stability. This was undertaken as part of a weir conservation project initiated by the Thomastown Community River Trust (TCRT), representing the first archaeological study of the structure and its surrounding environment (DAHG Licence Numbers: 09D054, 09R143). Building on this work, TCRT commissioned (2010) a Feasibility Study to ascertain a viable means of both preserving the weir structure and developing the river as a community resource. At the start of 2011, TCRT and the Thomastown and District Angling Association (TDAA) secured LEADER funding to proceed with the weir stabilization and river development process. Two devolvement phases were identified in order to facilitate the programme of works. The first phase, completed in September 2011, implemented the remedial measures identified for the site (11E0334). The second phase, undertaken in September 2014, brought to fruition the overall aims of TCRT ensuring the continued preservation of Island Weir and the development of a river amenity at that location.

As part of the Phase 2 work, Island Weir underwent further conservation, along with the refurbishment (to heritage specification) of associated mill structures, including the sluice gate, tailrace, and mill-wheel. In addition, the adjacent river amenity was developed to provide a safe swimming area for the local community. In order to facilitate the above, approximately 990m³ of riverbed material was dredged from the proposed swimming area (originally an area forming a millpond), extensive re-grading/consolidation of the southern bank was undertaken, and the mill’s sluice channel and headrace were excavated. The bulk of this work was carried out in July and August 2014 and included a programme of monitoring undertaken during all groundwork and riverbed disturbances associated with the development. Previously buried mill features, including the sluice channel, headrace and tailrace, underwent full excavation as part of the development and a detailed and comprehensive record of these features was made. In addition, a weir extension feature, extending south-west from the weir-head, underwent full recording (plan/cross-section, etc.). No material of archaeological or historic significance was encountered during the dredging work undertaken within of the millpond area.