2022:174 - Ballynabarny, Rathnew, Wicklow

Test trenching, based on the results of a geophysical survey, was completed as part of a pre-planning assessment for an industrial development together with ancillary site works in the townland of Ballynabarny, Rathnew, Co. Wicklow. There are no recorded monuments within the application area.

Excavations during the construction of the M11 motorway, within 500m of the site, identified
numerous features indicative of Bronze Age activity, comprising habitation sites, ring ditches,
a house structure, fulacht fiadh sites, a kiln and large amounts of Bronze Age pottery. A
geophysical survey was completed in March 2021 as part of a pre-planning assessment, Licence 21R0032. No significant archaeology was identified; however, anomalies were tested to confirm if they are of archaeological significance, along with additional test trenching throughout the development site in July 2022 under the current licence.
A total of 465m of trenches were excavated to identify any previously unrecorded archaeology which may be impacted upon by the development.
The remains of a possible sub-rectangular structure which may be a brick clamp were identified and numerous fragments of red brick were visible in the topsoil at this location. A heat-affected pit which was surrounded by a series of charred stake-holes was also identified and preliminary analysis suggests that this may be prehistoric and domestic in function. This report also contains an archaeological impact and mitigation strategy should the development be granted planning.
In summary the proposed mitigation is for preservation by record, i.e full archaeological excavation under archaeological licence of the features identified, prior to any construction works commencing.

Unit 10, Riverside Business Centre, Tinahely, Co. Wicklow