2017:067 - Dunmanway to Clashavoon, Cork

Monitoring of the construction of an ESBN overhead line between Clashavoon (north-east of Macroom) and Dunmanway substations in west Cork was undertaken in 2016 and 2017. The project was originally due to commence in 2014 but was subsequently delayed and monitoring was, therefore, carried out under extensions to the licence originally issued in 2014. A number of the pole sets within the northern end of the scheme were monitored by Tobar Archaeology as part of a separate contract.

The monitored works comprised 20 pylons and approx. 150 pole sets erected in a combination of good quality pasture and marginal uplands. All structures were designed to avoid recorded archaeological monuments and access routes to all work locations were subjected to advance archaeological assessment.

An area of black peaty topsoil with charcoal inclusions was noted during a pre-works inspection of a pole base location (Structure 224) in Ballyhalwick townland, north-east of Dunmanway. Modern inclusions were noted in the topsoil layer during monitoring, including recently-cut tree branches, and according to the landowner the area had been recently infilled during land improvement works.

A previously unrecorded, potential fulacht fiadh (ITM 532050, 566212) was noted in Teerelton townland within the same field as one of the structures (AM 123). This comprised a low mound measuring approx. 12m in diameter and had been previously impacted upon by an ESB pole. It is located approx. 25m to the east of the pylon erected in this area and no associated features were uncovered during monitoring of the foundations of this structure. The ESB staff and contractors were informed of the location of the site and a fenced cordon was created around the works area and access route. A Monument Report Form will be submitted to the Archaeological Survey of Ireland.

No other archaeological features were noted during monitoring of the line.

Unit 3A Westpoint Trade Centre, Ballincollig, Co. Cork.