2017:420 - Ballymonaster Bridge, Donegal

Underwater archaeological impact assessment took placeof the River Deele, as it flows through the townlands of Ballymonaster and Kilmonaster, to the south-east of Raphoe, Co. Donegal. The assessment work was undertaken as part of pre-planning conditions associated with the insertion of a new outfall structure as part of the proposed Raphoe Sewerage Scheme.

The archaeological work comprised comprehensive assessment of a 50m-stretch of the waterway, extending from a point 20m upstream and 30m downstream of Ballymonaster Bridge, Ballymonaster and Kilmonaster Townlands. The assessment recorded riverbed topography, provides a detailed account of the existing riverside environment, and describes any riverine features encountered. The on-site work was carried out on 2 July 2017.

The proposed outfall will impact a c. 3.2m section of riverbank on the north side of the waterway, at a location 6m downstream of Ballymonaster Bridge, ITM: 627020E, 899033N (centre point). The outfall terminus will extend 1m into the watercourse, with its foundation elements impacting riverbed deposits to a depth of c. 300mm below the existing bed-level.

No archaeologically significant features were encountered for the area surrounding the impact location, although two 19th-century structures, Ballymonaster Bridge (NIAH: 40907047) and an adjacent water mill (RMP: DG070-077), are located within the wider assessment area. No direct or indirect impacts to these structures are anticipated as part of the proposed development. However, a possible impact to an associated mill feature could arise with the excavation of a pipe-trench in the field adjacent to the waterway; the route of the pipe crossing the original line of the mill’s tail-race at that location.

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