2023:120 - Ballaghaderreen, Kilcolman, Ballyoughter, Magheraboy, Toobrackan and Tullaghanrock, Roscommon

The Ballaghaderreen to Sligo Trunk Main – Phase 1 scheme forms part of a larger nationwide Water Network Programme that is being undertaken by Uisce Éireann and involved installing 3,023m of new/replacement water mains. The scheme’s route was located along the existing road network (R293 and L55013) in Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon.

Archaeological monitoring was recommended for exploratory trenches (access pits) associated with the slip-line installation method and at the locations of the noted Cultural Heritage (CH sites), while sections of open-cut trenches along existing roadbeds and verges for the scheme were monitored intermittently in the vicinity of the scheme due to the potential for unrecorded subsurface archaeological remains to be present.

One (T2) of the three exploratory trenches (access pits) for the slip-line method was located within the L55013 where it intersects a ringfort - rath (RO008-025). The trench measured 0.8m wide, 2.6m long and 1.4m deep, and was dug onto the existing water main. The subsoil within the trenches consisted of a mid-yellowish-brown silty clay containing occasional small to large sub-angular stones, sealed by 0.3m of modern road surface.

The excavation of open-cut trenches extended from the north of the L55013 along the existing roadbed and verge to the south-western end of the Ballaghaderreen scheme within the town of Ballaghaderreen. The depth of the open-cut trenches varied from 0.5m to 1.6m. The underlying subsoil consisted of firmly compacted mid-yellowish silty clay and was overlaid by varied depths of hardcore and road surfaces.

No potential archaeological objects, features or deposits were revealed in any of these trenches.

Archaeological Management Solutions, Fahy’s Road, Kilrush, Co. Clare, V15 C780