2020:077 - 3 AND 4 CONYNGHAM ROAD, DUBLIN 8, Dublin

A programme of archaeological testing was carried out at Nos 3 and 4 Conyngham Road, Dublin 8 on behalf of the Peter McVerry Trust. The works were undertaken in response to planning conditions attached to the proposed development (Planning Ref.:2730/19).

Trenching was undertaken at the site on 10 February 2020 using a 3 tonne 360 degree tracked excavator, with a flat, toothless bucket. Three trenches were initially proposed in the rear plots of 3 and 4 Conyngham Road, both of which are Protected Structures (RPS 2035 and 2036 respectively), and in the footprint of the former mews building which spans the southern end of plots of 3 and 4. Due to access constraints only the southernmost trench was excavated. This trench was orientated east-west, measured 13m and was located within the footprint of the proposed mews building.

Testing has shown that the proposed development once lay on the south-facing bank of a floodplain of the River Liffey known formerly as the ‘long meadow’. Evidence was identified for the raising of the ground surface through the importation of c. 0.6m of sandy clay in the mid-19th century. A dividing wall and brick and cobble surface relating to the former mews building were also identified.

Construction of a new three-storey mews building (172 sq m) on the footprint of this original mews building will have an impact upon the brick and cobbled surface and the foundation of the internal dividing wall identified during testing. It is therefore recommended that the brick and cobbled surface be exposed fully and recorded during the initial stages of ground clearance.

While portions of the upstanding mews building wall will be retained and incorporated into the new build, parts of the wall will be impacted upon. It is recommended that the dismantling of portions of the standing mews building wall be monitored by a suitably qualified archaeologist in the interest of identifying any worked architectural fragments.

Construction of separate single-storey extensions to the rear of both No. 3 (11 sq m) and No. 4 (50 sq m) will be mainly located within the existing footprint of extensions that are to be demolished. Construction of these features may have an adverse impact on previously unrecorded archaeological features or deposits that have the potential to survive beneath the current ground level. It is therefore recommended that all ground disturbances associated with the proposed development be monitored.

Unit G1, Network Enterprise Park, Kilcoole, Co. Wicklow