2025:172 - MetroLink Utility Slit Trenches: Licence Area 2, Dublin

Additional archaeological works in Licence Area 2 of the proposed Metrolink project comprised monitoring of two exploratory slit trenches, in the townland of Ballymun, Fingal, Co. Dublin.
The two additional trenches were located near a charter school, known today as ‘Santry Lodge’ (BH-14; Chapter 26, TII 2022). The Glasnevin Heritage organisation notes that the school was originally a mill, built c.1700. The ‘Charter School’ is shown on Roque’s map of 1760, bounded to the north by the Santry River, and to the south by a probable attached walled garden or orchard that is square in plan. The OS first edition 6-inch (1843) and 25-inch historic (1910) mapping indicates that the Santry River was canalised and straightened in the area, probably to form a mill race. The river was subsequently culverted and infilled in the area. The exploratory trenches subjected to archaeological monitoring were opened to identify the presence and nature of the culvert (labelled: Santry Lodge-01 and Santry Lodge-02).
No archaeological remains were uncovered during the monitoring works A modern concrete pipe/culvert, containing the culverted Santry River, was identified running southeast to northwest across the north-east end of both trenches. No evidence of the edges of the original Santry River or mill race was revealed in the trenches.
No additional groundworks are required at this stage of the service location programme.