2024:194 - Windmill Hill Reservoir to Ratoath water supply scheme, Meath

Archaeological monitoring took place of the construction of a water supply scheme from Windmill Hill Reservoir to Ratoath in Co. Meath.

There are 24 recorded monuments within a 250m radius of the scheme, which terminates at the former site of a market cross (ME044-034008) within the zone of archaeological potential for the historic town of Ratoath (ME044- 034). It also passes through the zone of notification for a field system (ME039-004), which contains three enclosures identified from satellite imagery, and through the zone of notification for a font (ME039-005) in Crickstown. At the northern end of the scheme, on Windmill Hill, two henge monuments and a souterrain (ME038- 010/011/032) are near the scheme. For the most part the works were carried out in carriageway and involved directional drilling where suitable or open trench excavation when required.

Works for the 500mm trunk main commenced at Windmill Hill with extensive topsoil stripping occurring to facilitate the new reservoir. Full time archaeological monitoring was carried out at this location between February and March 2023. The area was primarily greenfield prior to the works and used for crops. The stratigraphy was consistent throughout with topsoil and sod measuring roughly 200-250mm in depth overlying a yellowish-brown sandy silty clay with occasional small stones and pebbles. Nothing of archaeological significance was noted at this location.

The works then travelled along a local road, part of which has been identified as an Area of Archaeological Potential by IAC due to its proximity to significant Neolithic monuments. The works here were partially open-cut and deep (up to 2.5m deep in parts). The stratigraphy consisted of tarmac/road surface over the natural yellowish-brown sandy silty clay. Nothing of archaeological significance was noted.

From here the works continued within the roadway as far as the river Hurley (AAP2), where it crossed into agricultural fields to traverse the river. The Scheme re-joins the roadway to the south of the river and continues as far as the Dunshaughlin Stream. As with the previous watercourse crossing, the Scheme enters agricultural land to traverse the stream, before re-joining the roadway to the south. No previously unknown archaeological features were encountered during monitoring or inspections.

AAP 4 at Ratoath travels the length of the Well Road, which gently lowers to the north-northeast. The gardens of houses front onto the road and the northernmost point is lined with mature trees and vegetation. Nothing of significance was noted during monitoring or inspections.

3 Gort na Rí, Athenry, Co. Galway