County: Kildare Site name: Whitechurch, Straffan
Sites and Monuments Record No.: KD014-022 Licence number: 23E0388
Author: Philippa E. Barry
Site type: No archaeology found
Period/Dating: Early Medieval (AD 400-AD 1099)
ITM: E 693214m, N 727372m
Latitude, Longitude (decimal degrees): 53.288452, -6.601966
Planning permission was granted by Kildare County Council for the construction of a single house on lands tested by Giacometti and Ruddy in 2019 (19E0241).
The development required the mechanical excavation of a rectangular foundation block to a depth of 600mm. The rectangular footprint was first stripped of all overlying topsoil. Having established the absence of archaeological features and deposits within this foundation area, the ground level was reduced incrementally until the required dig level was reached.
The internal area of the footprint within the foundation block was not excavated. The overlying topsoil was removed under supervision, in order to record the presence of any underlying
archaeological features. No further ground reduction works are scheduled for this central area, and the remainder of features 19E0241:F38 and 19E0241:F39 will be left in situ.
A narrow percolation trench running off the northern extent of the foundation footprint was also mechanically excavated, and ran approximately north-north-west/south-south-east. The topsoil along this trajectory was first removed, which was followed by excavation to a depth of 600mm, once the absence of archaeological features had been confirmed.
To the north of and adjoining the percolation trench, a square area measuring 4m x 3m was stripped of its overlying topsoil only. No archaeological features or deposits were encountered below the topsoil. This area will be built up with material to increase the height of the ground level, with no further excavation work scheduled.
There are no further recommendations with regard to the current development works at Whitechurch, Straffan. The impact on in-situ archaeology has been mitigated via the resolution of the archaeological features within the impact zone (foundation block).
If any other works or new developments (such as a second house) occur at the site, archaeological monitoring and excavation will be required.
Archaeology Plan, 32 Fitzwilliam Place, Dublin
