2014:258 - Corballis Demesne, Ratoath, Meath

An assessment including geophysical survey and subsequent test trenching were carried out in response to a further information request from Meath County Council on foot of a planning application for the proposed construction of 66 houses at Corballis Demesne, Ratoath, Co Meath. The site currently comprises of two green fields located in the north-east corner of Ratoath village between the Glebe Park and Corballis Demesne housing estates. The assessment consisted of an initial geophysical survey followed by intensive archaeological testing of the site and was conducted in order to assess the site’s archaeological potential in advance of any grant of planning permission. The site is located within the historic town of Ratoath (ME044-034) and is located in close proximity to a number of Recorded Monuments including a motte and bailey (ME044-034001) and church site (ME044-034003).
A detailed geophysical survey was conducted in the two fields proposed for development on 6 and 7 June 2014. No clear responses indicative of archaeological activity was apparent although two possible features requiring further investigation were identified in the northern field. The survey in the south of the site identified linear responses indicative of a former track-way and numerous linear trends which are suggestive of ploughing activity. In the east of the data set there are large ferrous responses indicative of a pipe. Broad ferrous responses to the south of this may represent a spread of rubble or the remains of a possible structure, although this is speculative. The magnetic strength of the responses is indicative of more recent activity.
Test trenching was carried out on 10 June 2014. A total of 18 test trenches were excavated. No archaeological features or deposits were identified. A network of field drains that were identified by the geophysics were located and recorded within field 1 and the location of the 2 possible archaeological features (also identified by the geophysics) were found not to be of an archaeological nature.

During the geophysical survey of field 2 a double linear feature was identified and described as a possible agricultural track-way. The layout of the test trenching was designed to locate and identify this feature; however no visible evidence of the two linear features appeared within any of the test trenches. It is possible that the linear feature may have been formed by compaction within the topsoil and is therefore modern in date.

Due to the absence of any archaeological features or deposits on the site, there will therefore be no impact from the proposed development.

Archaeological Consultancy Services Unit, Unit 21 Boyne Business Park, Greenhills, Drogheda, Co Louth