2015:116 - Stalleen, Meath

Archaeological testing and supervision of site investigation (SI) works were carried out on behalf of Irish Water in relation to a proposed upgrade of a water treatment plant (WTP) at Stalleen townland in Co. Meath. The site is located on a prominent hilltop on the south-western periphery of Donore Village and has commanding views of its undulating surroundings. There is one recorded monument within the boundary of the site, a burial (ME027-001) which was discovered in 1935 during the excavation work associated with the existing water treatment plant, although the exact location of the burial is uncertain. It was recorded as being on the highest point of the ridge within the site, an area which currently appears to be under a large decommissioned circular concrete raw water balancing tank, and this was corroborated by local knowledge.

Thirty-one geotechnical slot trenches and three specifically selected archaeological trenches were excavated over seven days between 12-21 October 2015 and no features or finds of archaeological interest were identified in any of the trenches. Testing and monitoring was carried out in order to understand the level of disturbance that previously occurred within the site and to identify any remains of an archaeological nature, if present.

The testing programme found that the site has been extensively disturbed and that the likelihood of uncovering further archaeological remains within the site is low. However, due to the discovery of the burial (ME027-001) in the south-west corner of the site and the extent of proposed development, including the removal of the now decommissioned raw water balancing tank where the burial is thought to have been found, it is recommended that this area of the site will be subject to further monitoring.

Courtney Deery Heritage Consultancy, Lynwood House, Ballinteer Road, Dublin 16