2017:693 - Kilcolman, Knockagarrane, Kilderry North, Kilderry South, Tinnahally, Kerry

Test trenching took place along the route of the proposed N70 Kilderry Bends Improvement Scheme, Co. Kerry. The work was carried out in September 2017 on behalf of Kerry County Council.
The road scheme consists of the realignment of approximately 3.5km of the N70 road between Milltown and Killorglin, Co. Kerry. The realignment links to the existing N70 on the western edge of Milltown and then heads west towards Killorglin. The first part of the realignment runs to the south of the existing road, it then ascends south-west crossing Kilderry Woods before descending into the Maine Valley at Kilderry North and South where it re-joins the existing N70 immediately south of Tinnahally Cross.
The landscape along the route of the N70 Kilderry Bends Improvement Scheme has been subject to human development and settlement since prehistoric times. The monuments listed in the Record of Monuments & Places and the nature of previously identified archaeological sites clearly demonstrate that the surrounding landscape is made up of different periods of both historic and prehistoric activity and the features within the modern landscape serve as reminders and indicators of past land use practices and cultural changes.
The archaeological assessment of the N70 Kilderry Bends Improvement Scheme included the hand excavation of 60 linear metres of test trenches within the site of Lissaniska Ringfort (KE047-054) and the mechanical excavation of 21 test trenches with a combined length of over 900 linear metres in the vicinity of Lissaniska. This testing was carried out under Licence Number 17E0328 with the results of these works detailed in a separate report (Russell & Lyne, forthcoming).

The mechanical test trenching of the remainder of the route was carried out over 29 greenfield areas. The combined testing resulted in a total excavated area for the scheme of 16,858 sq. m amounting to 13.75% of the scheme.
During the test trenching, 6 sites of archaeological potential (Kilcolman 1-3 & 5; Kilderry South 1-2) were recorded which comprised a burnt stone spread, pits, a possible kiln and linear features.
All of the sites identified by the advance testing will be adversely impacted upon by the proposed development as they lie within the lands made available for the construction of the road scheme. Construction works on site will therefore result in the total removal of these sites. Therefore, the 6 sites as defined by the Stage (i) testing are recommended for full excavation as part of the Stage (iii) works.

ACSU, Unit 21, Boyne Business Park, Greenhills, Drogheda, Co. Louth.