2017:373 - Glencollins, Ballynahulla, Glentanedowney, Clashykinleen West, Blueford, Clashykinleen East, Barnacurra, Ballyduane West and Ballyduane South, Ballydesmond, Cork

Construction work commenced on a 110kV grid connection cable route in 2016 – the Knockacummer grid connection. The purpose of the scheme is to facilitate a permanent connection of Knockacummer Wind Farm to the National Grid. The development comprises a 110kV underground cable, approximately 19.5 km in length, which is situated in the north-west Cork region and extends across the county border into east Kerry. The route commences at Glenlara Substation in the townland of Clonfert, Co. Cork, approximately 2 km south-west of Newmarket, and concludes at Ballynahulla Substation, Co. Kerry, approximately 2 km west of the village of Ballydesmond. The cable route follows the existing road infrastructure commencing at the Glenlara Substation and follow the existing road network south-east to Ballynahulla Substation.

An archaeological and cultural heritage assessment of the then proposed grid connection was carried out by John Cronin and Associates in 2015. The assessment comprised a walk-over survey and desktop assessment and identified areas where monitoring of the excavation of the cable trench was recommended, primarily where the cable route was within 50m of a recorded monument.

Monitoring along the cable route commenced in 2016 (Excavations Bulletin No. 2016:677) in a number of locations along the public road, primarily where such works are located within 50m of a recorded monument. They consist of RMP sites, NIAH sites and bridges of local cultural heritage merit. No archaeology was uncovered in the areas monitored either in 2016 or 2017.

Tobar Archaeological Services, Saleen, Midleton, Co. Cork