2025:137 - Kilshane Cross, Newtown Lower, Dublin

Archaeological monitoring was conducted at Kilshane Cross, County Dublin, in relation to the Regional Biosolids Storage Facility, a component of ABP 301798-18 (SID/02/18). The site has been split into four areas: the northern (Work Area 1) and the southern area (Work Areas 2-4). Work Area 1 contains significant archaeological features and as a result, only enabling works such as fencing and landscaping are envisaged, with the remaining areas south of it including the location of the storage building (Work Area 2) and upgrade works of the foul pumping station, the foul rising main, new footpath, fencing landscaping etc. (Work Area 3) and a new footpath (Work Area 4).

A recorded monument, a Castle motte and bailey (DU014-013), is located in the north portion of the site (Work Area 1). The monument was levelled in 1952. Prior to deconstruction, it consisted of a circular platform measuring 28m in diameter and 3m in height, enclosed by a fosse with earthwork or a bailey of 100m by 70m. The monument is visible as a cropmark on both 1971 and 1995 aerial photographs. The site was subject to monitoring of engineering test pits (01E1214), test trenching (01E1214 ext.), and assessments, including a geophysical survey and testing (04E0807), as well as later monitoring (08E043). There are no Protected Structures within the site as listed in the Fingal County Development Plan 2023-2029.

The cartographic and aerial imagery were examined. The site was adjacent to and west of a turnpike road (now North Road) and consisted of several fields, with the Moat labelled and depicted on all examined maps. By the 1995 aerial photo, the site consisted of one large field, with a cropmark corresponding with the location of the Moat and bailey clearly visible. Test trenches are visible on the 2002 aerial photo within the site. By 2008, access roads within the site were constructed, and the N2 motorway to the east was operational; the site has remained essentially unchanged since then.

ACSU was contracted to carry out archaeological monitoring in Area 2 only, which was carried out on an intermittent basis. No features of archaeological significance were identified, and no finds were recovered. The location of the castle (DU014-013) was fenced off, and no site works were carried out within this area. There will be no archaeological impact, and no further works are necessary in Area 2.