2023:317 - Cloonsillagh, Roscommon

The proposed works entailed the development of two agricultural sheds within an existing farmyard. RMP RO017-060—- Enclosure – large enclosure forms the southernmost boundary of the site, whilst the northernmost boundary is on the site of the enclosure, but the ditch is not original and was created in more recent times. The subject site is sub-circular in plan and was covered in gravel with concrete surfaces to the south where the main cattle shed was located.

A programme of pre-development test trenching was undertaken on 26 August 2023 in the proposed development area to ascertain the extent and nature of any subsurface remains that might exist within the site. All work was conducted using a mechanical mini-excavator. Each test trench was mechanically excavated using a graded bucket 1.3m wide. A total of six test trenches were excavated 5m apart and parallel with one another across the proposed development area. The total area excavated comprised 46m of open trench. All trenches were excavated to the top of the boulder clay substrate. Four test trenches were excavated in the footprint of Building 2 and two test trenches were excavated in the footprint of Building 1. No archaeological material was uncovered in any of the six test trenches.