2015:540 - Coolaharan Road, Copney, Omagh, Tyrone

NMI Burial Excavation Records

County: Tyrone Site name: Coolaharan Road, Copney, Omagh

Sites and Monuments Record No.: TYR 027:016 Licence number: AE/15/39

Author: David Kilner, Gahan & Long Ltd

Site type: Pit

Period/Dating:

ITM: E 658616m, N 877743m

Latitude, Longitude (decimal degrees): 54.644479, -7.091873

An archaeological evaluation was carried out prior to Watermain Rehabilitation works in Omagh. The proposed watermain extended from the Barony Road running on either side of the Coolaharan Road before extending south-east cross country to link with the existing reservoir on Loughmacrory Hill. The route of the replacement watermain extended close to a Scheduled monument, TYR 027:016, identified as a wedge tomb.
Monitored groundworks consisted of the removal of topsoil to glacial subsoil within a working corridor extending the length of the replacement watermain. All topsoil removal was carried out mechanically using a machine fitted with a toothless bucket.
One possible archaeological feature was uncovered in Field 4 (see plate). The feature was sub-oval in shape and has been tentatively interpreted as a pit. No artefacts or dating material was recovered from the feature which was fully excavated.
No other potential archaeological features were noted during monitoring of topsoil stripping with previous disturbance in the form of agricultural activity including ploughing and ground improvements encountered as well as disturbance associated with previous NI Water activity including the existing watermain.

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