2019:167 - Laughanstown, Dublin

Test trenching was carried out at the site of a proposed residential development in the townland of Laughanstown, Dublin 18. The assessment follows a previous geophysical survey undertaken in 2015 (Nicholls 2015). The proposed development relates to lands within “Development Area 8: Tully” of the Cherrywood SDZ Planning Scheme 2014 (as amended) and includes the Res 2 plots identified in the planning application as Plots T9 and T10.

The proposed development area is currently formed by overgrown grassland bordered by the newly constructed Castle Street to the east and crossed on a north-east/south-west axis by overhead wires. The high boundary wall of Lehaunstown Park borders the site to the immediate south and the access road for Beckett Park forms the northern boundary. The M50 runs c. 100m west of and parallel with the site. Until recent years the area was under crop and subject annually to deep ploughing. The nearest RMP comprises the remains of a tower-house (DU026-093) that were incorporated into Lehaunstown Park, c. 70m to the south.

Testing was carried out over the course of three days from 12 June 2019 using a mechanical excavator fitted with a flat grading bucket. The trenches targeted geophysical anomalies and open green space to fully investigate the archaeological potential of the site. Testing revealed four areas of archaeological significance, which have been designated as Archaeological Areas 1–4 (AA1-4). These comprise a possible hearth, circular pit, two possible kilns and a linear ditch. No dating evidence was recovered from any of the features, which have the potential to vary in date from the prehistoric through to the medieval periods. Ground disturbances associated with future development may have a direct and negative impact on the recorded archaeological remains (AA1-4).

Unit G1 Network Enterprise Park, Kilcoole, Co. Wicklow