2023:794 - Rathmullan WwTW, Rathmullan and Ballyboe, Donegal

It is proposed upgrade the existing sewer network in the villages of Ramelton, Millford and Rathmullan in County Donegal under the overall Ramelton Millford Rathmullan (RMR) Sewage Scheme. The 2016 assessment report on the proposed Rathmullan works noted that no monuments are recorded from the area of the proposed pumping stations and no features of archaeological significance were noted above ground in the walkover survey. The report noted that the proposed rising main will run along Main Street where there are a number of recorded archaeological monuments, DG037:007 & DG037:007003, and structures recorded. It went on to state that while no monuments or structures would be directly impacted, the report proposed that all ground disturbance, including any site investigation work, along the route of the proposed rising main be archaeologically monitored.

The first phase of archaeological monitoring took place between April and November 2023. Nothing of archaeological interest was noted in either of the areas of the pumping stations. The monitoring of the pipeline trench uncovered evidence for 19th-century stone culverts, disturbed ground associated with previous service lines and significant disturbance associated with the construction of Main Street, where the natural glacial till had been scarped and foundation stone and gravel laid down as foundations for the road surface. Nothing of archaeological interest was noted along the line of the pipe trench.