2015:192 - Kilbragh, Tipperary

An Impact Assessment was undertaken of proposed farm re-development works at Kilbragh, Fethard, Co. Tipperary. As part of the planning process the owner of the site was requested to undertake the Assessment including a programme of testing. The development site is located c. 3km to the north-east of the small village of Rosegreen.

Aspects of the works were located within the confines of a ringfort (TS069-017) and hut site (TS069-017001).

A total of seven test trenches were opened on the imprint of the proposed location of a new access road and hardstand area which will serve the new farm buildings. It was considered the farm buildings were sufficient distance away from the recorded monuments. The new road will be a continuation of an existing farm track/road which extends from the public road on an approximate north-south alignment. The new road/hardstand area will be sited c. 20-25m to the north-east of the monuments.

The findings from the test trenches were relatively consistent. Bedrock was apparent at the base of trench No.2, 0.7m below ground level. Within some of the trenches there was variation in the naturally deposited soil. In trench No. 5 a possible feature was identified but proved no more than a variation at the interface between the subsoil and the natural deposition. In Trench No. 7 the remains of a field drain was exposed.

The two nearest trenches to the monument, Trench No. 7 and the southern half of Trench No. 5, had previously been stripped of topsoil and a layer of crushed stone/gravel had been laid directly over the subsoil. This topsoil removal would have been undertaken at the time of constructing the nearby farm building and the hardstand area around it.

No archaeological remains/features were revealed in the course of the testing works.

17 Staunton Row Clonmel , Co. Tipperary.