Two Project Archaeologists have been appointed to Tramore House RDO, James Eogan and Richard O'Brien. They commenced work in March 2001 following the publication of the Code of Practice agreed between the National Roads Authority and The Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands.

Project archaeologists are being appointed to the eleven RDOs nationwide. Their role is to oversee the smooth running of the archaeological element of national road projects as part of the National Development Plan (NDP).

Care for the cultural heritage, including the archaeological heritage, is central to the work of the National Roads Authority and the local authorities. In providing national roads for Counties Carlow, Kilkenny, South Tipperary, Waterford and Wexford Tramore House RDO aims to avoid impacts on the archaeological heritage as far as possible.

Extensive efforts are made in the route selection and design process to ensure that the potential adverse impacts of road projects are minimized and mitigated.

Archaeological excavation, when not properly planned can be a costly exercise. Insufficient planning has the potential to cause significant delays to the delivery of the national roads program. The appointment of the Project Archaeologists will assist the RDOs in designing roads which minimise impact on known sites of archaeological, historical and cultural heritage value. This aim is in line with the stated policies and aims of the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands.

A variety of archaeological prospecting techniques (including examination of aerial photographs, field walking, geophysical survey, documentary research etc.) are utilized before construction to identify archaeological sites and sites of cultural heritage interest. When sites are identified in this process they will be preserved in situ if possible. It is not possible to avoid impacting on such sites in all cases; where preservation in situ is not possible these sites will be preserved by record. Preservation by record is secured by thorough archaeological excavation and/or detailed surveying and recording in advance of construction. During construction previously unknown archaeological remains can be found. When this happens these remains will be excavated and preserved by record.

The results of all archaeological excavations carried out under the aegis of Tramore House RDO will be communicated to the wider public through a variety of educational media. In this way the development of a modern roads network in the south-east has the potential to provide a window on the past which will inform the general public and enhance their appreciation of the cultural heritage of this part of the country.

N30 Moneytucker to Jamestown Realignment

Test excavations were completed by Archaeological Development Services Ltd. at the end of November 2001.

Suspected archaeological remains were identified in 10 separate locations along the route of the proposed road. The sites identified probably range in date from the prehistoric to the post-medieval period.

ADS Ltd. are currently compiling their report on the works carried out to date. This report will be submitted to Duchas and will form the basis for a decision as to what further archaeological investigations should be carried out prior to construction.

©TRAMORE HOUSE REGIONAL DESIGN OFFICE  2001   TEL: +353 51 390 130   FAX: +353 51 390 699

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