2018:572 - Diageo Powerhouse, James Gate, James Street, Dublin 8, Dublin

Testing was carried out for the proposed drainage works associated with the change of use (from former Guinness Power House to distillery including visitor experience) of the Guinness Power House Building, 90 James’s Street, Dublin 8.  The power plant building was built in 1948 and was in use until the late 1990s. The architectural advisor is Vicky Landy from RKD Architecture and the construction contractors are Flynn Management and contractors.

The site is located within the zone of archaeological potential of DU018-020) and is also in close proximity to a number of other RMP sites.

Testing was undertaken in fulfilment of Planning Condition No. 6 issued by The Planning Dept Dublin City Council (Ref. Decision Order No. 2504/17). The site has been divided into different areas for the purpose of testing – Area1 to the north of the Powerhouse building and Area 2 to the south of this building.

A total of 8 test trenches were excavated on the site on the 2 and 3 July 2018. At the time of testing most of the front area along James Street was occupied by contractor porter cabins, flower bed/planting areas and walkways; this limited the area where test trenches were located. Other factors that limited the location and depth of test trenches included live and unknown services.

The test trenches established the presence of live services and old service pipes lying at depths of 0.3-0.5m below present ground level. In the yard area to the back (north) of the power plant (Area 1) up to 2m plus of modern stone infill was present. In the area to the front (south) of the power plant (Area 2) subsoil was reached in two trenches. It lay at depths of between 1.6m to 2m below present ground level.

The trenches were excavated by mechanical excavator and all excavations were supervised by Aisling Collins and Kevin Weldon.

Area 1 appears to be built-up ground consisting of modern stone infill to at least 2m in depth below concrete slab.

Area 2 testing revealed the presence of medieval garden soil deposits and possible stone structures.  Medieval pottery dating from the 12-14th centuries was also found and this indicates the presence of medieval activity on the site.

Full monitoring of all excavation works in Area 2 was recommended. Some of the larger tanks in Area 2 (no 11, 15 & 17) may require hand excavation. The storm water 16/17 connecting to the main sewer in James Street should also be monitored.

Annesley mws, Brighton Ave, Monkstown, Co. Dubliin