2025:265 - Mulladuff, Smithborough, Monaghan

The archaeological impact assessment was undertaken as part of a further information request by Monaghan County Council. A new residential development was proposed which comprises 22 new dwelling houses and associated services. It was advised that a geophysical survey followed by test-trenching should be undertaken across the site as part of the assessment.

A geophysical survey of the site was conducted by Joanna Leigh in early March 2025 (Licence: 25R0023). The dataset was dominated by parallel linear trends orientated west to east, indicative of agricultural ploughing activity. Also identified were two possible relict field boundaries, several cluster of ferrous responses with some isolated examples of possible interest. Although it is possible that these represent areas of burning or burnt remains, the ferrous signatures are more indicative of modern debris. No clear archaeological patterns were evident, and archaeological potential was considered to be limited at the site.

Five test-trenches were mechanically excavated within the proposed development area, targeting areas identified in the geophysical survey. No archaeological features or deposits were uncovered. The remains of a demolished 19th-century Roman Catholic Hall, depicted on the OS historic mapping, were identified in one of the trenches, consisting of a broken mortared floor surface and demolition rubble. The remains are not considered to be archaeologically significant.