2016:453 - Brittas Portal Tomb, Brittas, Wicklow

The recent field clearance works has resulted in major structural damage to the back stone and has caused a substantial amount of vertical cracking. This has resulted in a large section of the back stone being broken off and displaced. Structurally the back stone is now in a poor state of preservation and requires stabilization or repair as it is currently taking a large portion of the weight of the capstone. Smaller amounts of damage have been caused by a mechanical excavator to the eastern portal stone, the possible door slab and the capstone all of which have small isolated areas of surface damage caused by impacts from the excavator.

After the clearance of the monument and the cutting back of the vegetation it is recommended that the root systems of the vegetation be left untreated until some stabilization or repair work is carried out, because at present they provide some structural stability to the back stone.

The result of the field walking survey suggests that the field in which the monument stands appears to contain evidence of further archaeological activity and the results of the geophysical survey suggest possible subsurface features and deposits of an archaeological nature around the monument. It is therefore recommended that a buffer zone be established and maintained around the site of the megalithic tomb at a distance of around 20m in diameter. It is also considered necessary to repair or stabilize the back stone to prevent further deterioration as the back stone supports a large portion of the weight of the capstone. Once these repairs are carried out, the stumps should be treated with an appropriate herbicide in order to prevent further regrowth of the vegetation.

Archaeological Consultancy Services Unit, Unit 21 Boyne Business Park, Greenhills, Drogheda, Co Louth