2016:454 - Chamber Street, Ormond Street, Cork Street, Dublin, Dublin

The groundworks associated with the proposed development of the new park were divided into 9 areas all of which have been subject to monitoring. This involved pre-excavating all areas of proposed ground reduction to the formation level within the development. Where archaeological features and deposits were exposed during monitoring, they were investigated, recorded and resolved through hand excavation. The consultant archaeologist liaised with the City Archaeologist to agree in advance the methodology for the works.

The monitoring, recording and excavation concluded that, because of the high levels of ground disturbance associated with the development of the two local authority housing blocks and their demolition, only fragmented evidence of the previous structures (dwellings) and their associated outbuildings survive within the site of the proposed park. During the monitoring of the reduction of ground levels throughout the site (the deepest being associated with the trenches for drainage and service ducting, that ranged between 1075mm and 1075mm), it was noted that the restricted depth of excavation throughout the site and its disturbed nature limited the monitoring programme in terms of its overall potential to identify sub-surface features and deposits of an archaeological nature.

Monitoring identified that after the demolition of the flats, approximately 7 or 8 large pits were excavated throughout the site; these pits measured 4m wide and 10m long and had an average depth of 1m below the current ground level. The pits contained concrete rubble associated with the demolition of the flats and the rubble had been covered by a black terram polyethylene sheeting. It appears possible that the site may still contain features and deposits associated with the early Georgian development of Dublin, however these features and deposits may be located at a greater depth than the formation level associated with the development of the proposed park.

All features, deposits and structures identified during monitoring associated with the development of the proposed park have been excavated within the areas of ground reduction described within this report and above the finished proposed formation levels.