2015:526 - Eshmore Windfarm, Eshbane, Crockanavark and Meendonnell townlands, Dungannon, Tyrone

An archaeological evaluation was undertaken prior to the construction of a 3-turbine windfarm in Eshmore, Eshbane, Crockanavark and Meendonnell townlands, Dungannon. The proposed development will include relocation of the substation, implementation of an NIE mast and a temporary contractor’s compound. The majority of the trackways to be utilised are already in existence and these are to be resurfaced as part of the project. In addition, there are a small number of additional tracks which are to be constructed.
A series of 37 engineering test pits were excavated using a back-acting machine, fitted with a toothless bucket. A number of the pits were located in bogland, others were located in improved grassland and others were located along existing trackways. Each test pit was c.3m long and 2m wide and all were initially excavated to the level of naturally occurring subsoil.
An additional 28 test trenches were also excavated across the development site and their length varied from 10m to 30m. Where the proposed trenches were on existing trackways, which were to be reused, they were not excavated. These included Test trench 6 and Test trenches 10-20. In addition the areas of the turbine bases were fully removed of topsoil.
No evidence of any archaeological deposits was identified during the course of the evaluation.

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