2022:654 - Corbally Upper, Tramore, Waterford

Pre-construction topsoil stripping associated with Phase 1 of the proposed construction of 91 residential units and a new single-storey crèche with associated works at Corbally Upper, Tramore, Co. Waterford, was archeologically monitored during August and September 2022.

An original planning application for the site in 2020 was accompanied by a desk-based Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Impact Assessment report prepared by Aegis Archaeology; the report recommended that a geophysical survey followed by a programme of targeted archaeological testing be undertaken prior to construction. A geophysical survey undertaken by Joanna Leigh (20R0045) identified a number of anomalies including a possible enclosure in the south-east area of the development site. The results of the geophysical survey informed the location of test trenches, which were excavated by Aegis Archaeology Ltd. in November 2020 (20E0596). The presence of a possible enclosure was confirmed, appearing circular in shape and of likely prehistoric date, measuring 30m in diameter. The interior contained a shallow charcoal-filled pit. Two circular cremation pits were also identified approximately 40m north of the enclosure. These features were subsequently included in the Sites and Monuments Record as WA026-094 (enclosure) and WA026-095/96 (pit burials).

Topsoil removal from Area A, the excavation of foundation trenches for temporary signage in the far south of the area and a service trench in the far south-east were archaeologically monitored from 22 August to 19 September 2022. The topsoil was mid-brown sandy clay with frequent finds of modern refuse particularly towards the north along the Old Waterford Road (sports balls, glass bottles, cans, etc). Topsoil varied in depth between 0.15m at the highest point of the site to the north, close to the Old Waterford Road, and 0.4m in the southern portion of Area A – downslope towards the R675, Waterford Road. The topsoil overlay naturally deposited orange-brown sandy silt or gravel with frequent medium-sized angular stones.

In places across Area A the bedrock was exposed which comprised an easily-shattered shale. The locations of previous test trenches were also noted. Also noted were a north-south running field boundary and a field drain which likely relate to the field boundary indicated in the historic OSi maps. The monitoring covered the complete removal of topsoil from Area A and no finds or features of archaeological significance were encountered.

Area B remained undisturbed and fenced-off outside the boundary of the current phase of Development.

Topsoil stripping took place in Area C on 30 September 2022. The stratigraphy was similar to Area A, with up to 0.25m of topsoil overlying the orange-brown sandy silt with pockets of shale and gravel. The monitoring covered the complete removal of topsoil from Area C and no finds or features of archaeological significance were encountered.

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