N25 Waterford Bypass - report on archaeological investigations

Archaeological investigations on the Waterford Bypass commenced in February 2002.

Two archaeological companies (Archaeological Consultancy Services Ltd. and Archaeological Development Services Ltd.) have been appointed by Waterford City Council to carry out this work.

Two principle methods of investigation have been used to investigate areas of archaeological potential along the line of the proposed bypass. These areas have been selected following assessment of the landscape, historic maps and the Sites & Monuments Records of Duchas the Heritage Service.

Geophysical surveys have been carried out for archaeological purposes over most of the route. The principle geophysical survey methods used are magnetic scanning and magnetic susceptibility, these methods allow rapid survey of large areas. Where the magnetic scanning has indicated possible archaeological features more detailed surveys, using magnetic gradiometry or resistivity, have been undertaken.

The second method of investigation is the excavation of linear test trenches by machine and hand. To date approximately 22 kilometres of test trenches have been excavated in 27 separate locations. These test excavations have confirmed the probable prehistoric origin of a group of three standing stones near Slieverue and have uncovered the remains of:

• 10 burnt mounds or fulachta fiadh of probable Bronze Age date
• a number of settlement sites (one of which may be prehistoric in date)
• a probable medieval corn-drying kiln
• an 18th - 19th century brick field

Artefacts which have been found include an incomplete stone axe and sherds of Bronze Age and Medieval pottery.

Geophysical survey and excavation for archaeological purposes takes place under licence from the Minister for Arts Heritage Gaeltacht & the Islands.

What happens next?

The first phase of works in now finishing up on site and the two companies will be submitting their reports to the Council, the National Roads Authority, Duchas and the National Museum over the next month or so. The Council and the National Roads Authority will then agree a strategy with Duchas for mitigating the impact of the Bypass on the sites which have been identified. In most cases this is likely to involve the preservation of these sites by record (i.e. archaeological excavation) in advance of construction of the road. The construction of the Waterford Bypass is an opportunity for archaeologists to investigate parts of Counties Waterford and Kilkenny which have seen relatively little in the way of archaeological field work in the past; in this way the Bypass will increase our knowledge and enhance our understanding of the history of settlement in this part of the country.

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