2024:824 - Derryvoghy, Mayo

Archaeological monitoring took place of the construction of a water supply scheme for the Derryvoghy & PBKS GWS scheme, County Mayo. There are two recorded archaeological sites within the study area of Scheme A, the closest of which is a holy well (MA080-042—) located c. 8m to the southeast of the proposed scheme. It has been capped with concrete and fenced within a compound where a modern pump house stands. No recorded monuments are located within 250m of Schemes B and C.

IAC Archaeology prepared an assessment on behalf of Tobin Consulting Engineers, to study the impact, if any, on the archaeological and historical resource of three sections of proposed pipeline that form the Derryvoghy & PBKS GWS scheme. Archaeological assessment of the schemes was required as further information by Mayo County Council.

It was recommended that all topsoil stripping in greenfield areas associated with Schemes A, B and C, be monitored by a suitably qualified archaeologist.

Full time archaeological monitoring of the work took place in areas of greenfield identified by IAC Ltd. The works were carried out by advance topsoil stripping and using open-cut in greenfield areas.

Works commenced at the west end of the scheme at Ballycacloughlin townland and progressed east through Ballyclogher with advance topsoil stripping occurring to facilitate the pipeline. Full time archaeological monitoring was carried in greenfield at this location. The area was primarily greenfield prior to the works and in use for crops or rough grazing. The holy well is capped with concrete slabs and the area is overgrown surrounding the modern pump house. The stratigraphy was consistent throughout with topsoil and sod measuring roughly 200-250mm in depth overlying a yellowish-brown sandy silty clay with occasional inclusions of small stones and pebbles. Nothing of archaeological significance was noted.

The works then travelled along a local road before recommencing Scheme B in Derryvoghy townland where it traverses a small section of greenfield. The greenfield section of the pipeline follows a bank and ditch hedge line to a local road for a stretch of roughly 80m. Nothing of archaeological significance was noted with the general stratigraphy remaining consistent with Scheme A.

Recommencing in Coolaght townland the works continued south within the existing roadway in the main, with some small stretches of work in greenfield. No previously unknown archaeological features were encountered during monitoring here.