2022:180 - Polleban and Harlockstown, Meath

Archaeological monitoring of topsoil strip and cable trench excavations associated with the South Meath Solar Farm grid connection was carried out on various dates between 27 April and 14 June 2022. The grid connection route extends c. 1km south-west from the substation at Polleban, crossing five fields before connecting into the national grid via a new tower to be constructed on the existing ESB line at Harlockstown. The north-east part of the route was topsoil-stripped to facilitate the development of a new 4m-wide access road. Groundworks along the south-west part of the route were limited to cable trench excavations adjacent to existing farm tracks, which were upgraded as part of the development. There was generally 0.3m of grey brown clayey silt topsoil over light orange/brown clay subsoil. The only feature uncovered during monitoring was an oval-shaped pit containing a loosely compacted fill of charcoal-rich soil and large sub-rounded boulders. It was considered to be a relatively modern feature. No archaeology was found.

Dominic Delany & Associates, Creganna, Oranmore, Co. Galway