2024:016 - MetroLink Utility Slit Trenches: Lissenhall Bridge, Dublin

Archaeological monitoring of three utility slit trenches was carried out for the proposed MetroLink project at and in proximity to Lissenhall Bridge national monument (RMP DU011-081----; RPS_FCC_0341) in the townland of Balheary Demesne, Co. Dublin. The three trenches (SCO1-ST01, SCO1-ST02 and SCO1-ST05) were located within the Lissenhall Bridge national monument and therefore the archaeological works were carried out under Ministerial Consent (Consent No. C001170; Registration Nos. E005481 and R000606).

Archaeological material was revealed in one trench (SCO1-ST05), located across Balheary Bridge. During service location works, a compact, slightly uneven, cobbled surface was exposed at 0.82m below present ground level. Upon identification of the cobbled surface, excavation works in the trench were immediately halted save for further exposure for recording purposes. The cobbled surface area revealed within the slit trench was 1.7m in length (east–west) and 0.41m in width. The cobbled surface consisted of rounded stone and contained compact stone-filled layers above it. The cobbles begin 2.3m east of the bridge wall. The cobbling was truncated to the west by the cut of a service (water main). The feature was surveyed in and remains in situ. The exposed feature was covered with sandbag material and a layer of soft clay and then backfilled prior to the reinstatement of the tarmac path. The revealed cobbled surface would appear to be a late medieval or post-medieval road layer associated with Lissenhall Bridge. No further archaeological remains were uncovered during the monitoring works. No additional groundworks are required at this stage of the service location programme.

c/o AMS, Fahy's Road, Kilrush, Co. Clare