2023:592 - Clonburris Tiles 4 and 5, Cappagh and Clonburris LIttle, Dublin

Archaeological testing was carried out over the course of five days from 22 May 2023 using a mechanical excavator fitted with a flat grading bucket and hand-dug trenches.

The assessment revealed two areas of archaeological potential that have been designated as Archaeological Areas 1 and 2. Archaeological Area 1 (AA1) is an isolated pit of possible prehistoric date whilst Archaeological Area 2 (AA2) comprises a larger area of scattered post-medieval industrial activity.

No evidence of an enclosure at the site of RMP DU017-035 was identified within the development area and the potential anomaly (originally identified from aerial photographs) was targeted by hand-dug test trenches. Some in-situ burning was identified within the trenches, as well as in Trench 22 to the north.

Evidence of scattered post-medieval industrial activity has been identified across the wider Clonburris SDZ lands and as such, the results of this assessment are consistent with the emerging archaeological evidence.

Ground disturbances associated with the proposed development will have a direct and negative impact on the small-scale archaeological remains identified in AA1 and AA2. It is recommended that the archaeological remains are excavated prior to the commencement of construction.

Recorded monument DU017-035 (enclosure) was not found to be present during the course of testing and it seems most likely that the anomaly identified from the aerial photographic coverage was incorrectly interpreted. As such, no impact is predicted on this monument, as it is not extant.

Ground disturbances associated with the proposed development may have a direct and negative impact on small-scale or isolated archaeological remains that may survive beneath the current ground level, with no surface expression, therefore archaeological monitoring of topsoil stripping across the site was also recommended.