2023:860 - Fethard, Tipperary

A programme of Archaeological Monitoring of required excavations associated with the direct upgrading/replacement of an existing Ground-Mounted Electrical Transformer (TRAFFO) Unit at Fethard, Co. Tipperary was undertaken at the request of ESB Networks.

The TRAFFO Unit is located within the Zone of Archaeological Potential established for the town of Fethard (SMR: TS070-040; Historic Town) and approximately 3.5m outside the external face of the Town Wall Defences (south-western area). Notification of the works was submitted to the National Monuments Service, as required under Section 12(3) of the National Monuments (Amendment) Act 1994, who advised that Ministerial Consent was necessary for such works to proceed.

The works necessitated an extension to the existing plinth/foundation structure at its western end. The extension trench measured 0.7m in width and was up to 2.2m long (north-south); removal of the grass sod, which was up to 0.2m in depth/thickness, revealed moderately loose gravelly clay soil; this was excavated to a depth of 0.7m (0.9m below ground level) and is considered to be fill material associated with the construction of the original plinth feature. An area of 1.2m x 2m was excavated adjacent the northern extent of the plinth to facilitate the exposure and disconnection of existing electrical underground cables; removal of the sod and gravelly clay fill revealed the surface of a sand layer, containing the cable ducting, at a depth of 0.5m.

No subsurface features of archaeological interest/potential were uncovered by the works. All spoil material was ‘raked-over’ in order to increase the chances of artefact recovery; however, nothing of interest was recovered.