2017:717 - Knockalough, Finisklin and Laughil, Galway

Monitoring of the construction phase of a windfarm development was carried out at Knockalough, Finisklin and Laughil, Co. Galway between 3 October 2016 and 2 March 2017. The development involved the construction of 11 wind turbines, new internal access roads and upgrade of existing roads, 2 borrow pits, anemometry mast, electricity substation, underground electricity connection cabling, temporary construction compound, upgrade of existing site access junction and all ancillary works. The development site is in an upland area between Spiddal and Moycullen in what was formerly known as Iar Connacht. The landscape in these upland regions is characterised by ‘cnoc and lough’ topography, meaning dryland hummocks and small lakes surrounded by bog. The name of the townland at the centre of the development site reflects this topography. The site is located in a remote area with limited settlement history. There are no recorded monuments within the site boundary and there are just four monuments within a 2km radius of the site. A small vernacular structure built of dry stone walling and an associated small field enclosure were identified in the vicinity of Turbine 8 during monitoring. There is no cartographic evidence of either the structure or field but these are likely the remnants of a pre-famine structure, either a cabin or booly hut, typical of Connemara and indeed much of the western seaboard of Ireland. The structure was not impacted by development works. All excavations associated with the development were monitored. No archaeology was found.

Dominic Delany & Associates, Creganna, Oranmore, Co. Galway