2015:339 - N17/N18, Gort to Oranmore PPP Scheme, Galway

The N17/N18 Gort to Tuam PPP Scheme consists of 57km of motorway. The scheme commences at the north end of the N18 Gort-Crusheen scheme and extends as far as Tuam connecting to the existing N17. The majority of the archaeological investigations were carried out in advance of commencement of construction works. A total of 29 untested areas (UTA), which amounted to c. 4% of the footprint of the scheme, was untested at the beginning of the construction phase. A programme of monitoring and testing of these areas was designed by the National Roads Authority Project Archaeologist. In addition to the 29 UTA 25 more sites were added to the design method statement. These 25 sites were located adjacent to the LMA (lands made available) and were used by the construction companies for a variety of purposes including location of site compounds, temporary storage of topsoil and stone and permanent storage of topsoil.

No archaeology was recorded in any of the test trenches that were excavated in the area of the 29 UTA within the LMA. Archaeology was recorded in one of the additional sites outside the LMA. Testing was undertaken in a green field site in Garrauncreen, adjoining the LMA to the west. The site had been selected for the storage of topsoil. A total of 55 trenches were opened by machine under archaeological direction in the green field site. Two burnt mounds were recorded in two of these trenches. The burnt mounds were excavated under registration number E004612.