2025:303 - Graigue, Sligo

Permission was sought for development consisting of the following: 2-storey extension to rear of an existing dwelling house with all associated site works to include removal of extension and shed to rear, with alterations to elevations and plans; to construct detached domestic garage on site; to decommission existing septic tank serving the dwelling and install new onsite wastewater treatment system to serve dwelling with all associated site works. In their response, by way of further information, the planners stated that the site is located within the Cuil Irra Peninsula – Carrowmore, Knocknarea, Carns Hill, which is known for its archaeological and historic landscape. The applicant was requested to carry out and submit the findings of an Archaeological Impact Assessment (AIA) to include all areas of proposed land take.

A phase of archaeological testing took place to cover the footprint of the development, via three machine-dug test trenches, carried out on 12 May 2025. Testing revealed some modern disturbance in the south-west corner and in the area of out-building which previously existed on the site, to the northwest of the existing cottage. Natural subsoil at the slightly higher western end of the site consisted of a dark brown gravelly loam clay, which gradually turned to a light yellow-brown loam clay in the area of the cottage. The dark patches noted across the site were all the product of natural process, areas of rotted limestone. Nothing of archaeological interest was noted in either the site walk over or the archaeological testing.