2021:455 - KILLALOE BYPASS, SHANNON BRIDGE CROSSING & R494 IMPROVEMENT SCHEME, Clare

A programme of additional archaeological test trenching was undertaken in Field 7, Areas 1-5 and Canal Island, on the R494 Killaloe Bypass, Shannon bridge Crossing & R494 Improvement Scheme, Co. Clare. Works were undertaken in September 2020 and April and May 2021, in accordance with Registration Number E005104. test-trenching was undertaken in two phases:

Phase 1 (Field 7)
This element of test-trenching was undertaken in a field not accessible during earlier works on the scheme. The programme of archaeological testing comprised the excavation of sixteen trenches with a total length of 169.5m. These trenches were excavated within the footprint of the scheme, to assess the potential for subsurface archaeological remains. Constraints on the testing array comprised of overhead ESB lines and a 4” underground water pipe. Exclusion zones were in place to avoid these services.

Test trenching revealed that the field has been extensively ploughed. A small cluster of possible features was identified in the centre trench. This was later excavated under Registration No. E005308 (Shantraud 3).

Phase 2 (Area 1-5 & Canal Island)
Archaeological testing (Phase 2) comprised the excavation of a series of test-trenches and test pits across Areas 1-5 and five test trenches on Canal Island. These trenches were excavated within the footprint of the scheme, to assess the potential for subsurface archaeological remains.

Test-trenching revealed two areas of archaeological potential in Area 1: a single pit with burnt bone and a possible brick clamp. Work on Canal Island revealed a retaining kiln wall and artificial bank.

The features identified in Area 1 were later excavated under Registration No. E005339 (Ballyvally 1). The Canal Island features are to be dealt with at a later stage in the development, due to access issues.

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