Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 29 May 2001

Vol. 537 No. 2

Written Answers. - Archaeological Sites.

Austin Deasy

Question:

57 Mr. Deasy asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands if she has received a preliminary report on the recent archaeological discoveries at Shandon, Dungarvan, County Waterford in the vicinity of the halting site; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15799/01]

Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands (Miss de Valera)

As the Deputy knows, there is a proposed development of social housing consisting of 40 dwellings in Shandon, Dungarvan, County Waterford. The area is of archaeological potential and Dungarvan UDC who are carrying out the development are well aware of this and wish to comply with best practices in mitigating any archaeological impacts.

As this is a large site it was agreed by the developer to break it down into a number of zones for archaeological monitoring purposes. So far one report has been received arising from first phase archaeological monitoring of the area encompassing proposed dwellings Nos. 35 to 40. A series of pits were uncovered together with a small sub-circular structure, which appears to have been a temporary dwelling or shelter associated with the pits. The pits were a series of smelting pits, which seem to have produced large amounts of ore. Some surface flint was also found. The site was fully excavated and recorded before being released for development.

On 24 May my Department received a draft report arising from a second phase of monitoring in the area of proposed dwellings Nos. 27 to 32. First indications are that there is a structure of archaeological interest at this location, possibly a medieval moated site or pre-historic site. The matter is being assessed by the UDC, its consultant archaeologist and my officials to work out the best mitigation strategy for this find.