2020:808 - Upper Liffey Valley Sewerage Scheme – Phase 3 – Contract 2B – Network, Abbeyland, Clane, Kildare

All ground reduction works associated with the sewerage scheme were subject to archaeological monitoring. The works in 2020 followed on from works undertaken in 2019 (see 2019:527).

The majority of the sewerage works consisted of a lift and lay methodology, whereby the existing sewer was replaced by a new sewer along the existing alignment. As such the potential to impact upon archaeological remains was considered medium to low. A number of partially surviving archaeological features were identified along the scheme as outlined below.

The remnants of a tarmacadam surface (006) representing the avenue leading to Abbeylands House (NIAH: 11808010), and the truncated remains of an north-west/south-east orientated field ditch/former watercourse (007) were identified at the entrance to the Clane Pumping Station at the southern end of Clane town. A stone-built drain/culvert (009) was noted in the northern and southern section faces of the pipe trench along Prosperous Road (Clane) and a possible pit (010) and ditch (012) that may have been associated with the Early Christian monastery of 'Cluain Damh' (KD014–026017) were noted in the west-facing section of the pipe trench adjacent to St Michael’s Church, KD014–026002, on Main Street. Another possible ditch (014) was noted at the northern end of Clane town on the Celbridge Road.

Note: The identified features were heavily truncated by a combination of existing utilities and the insertion of the original sewer network within Clane town and as such were only visible in the section faces of the pipe trench and associated manhole cuttings. The surviving elements of these features are preserved in situ beneath the current streetscape and footpaths. No other features, finds or deposits of archaeological interest were identified during the monitoring programme.

Unit 2, Europa Enterprise Park, Midleton, Co. Cork. P25 TV25.