Archaeological Sites

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 31 January 2012

Tuesday, 31 January 2012

Ceisteanna (232, 233, 234)

Sean Fleming

Ceist:

273 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will supply details about an archaeological area that was encountered during the ongoing reconstruction works on Chesterfield Avenue in the Phoenix Park, Dublin, particularly whether the potential necessity of archaeological work was taken into account when the original construction period of 12 weeks was announced, in view of the fact that the existence of the Star Fort in this area of the Phoenix Park is well documented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5385/12]

Sean Fleming

Ceist:

274 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will supply details in relation to the works on the archaeological area which he has said was encountered during the ongoing reconstruction works on Chesterfield Avenue in the Phoenix Park, Dublin; the external archaeological services or companies, if any, that were employed to undertake this work; the cost of this work; the duration of these specific works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5386/12]

Sean Fleming

Ceist:

275 Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if he will supply details of the specific weather-related factors which caused the delay to the original 12 week construction period of Chesterfield Avenue in the Phoenix Park which commenced on 3 October 2011, including a breakdown of the number of work days lost and the specific weather-related cause of this disruption since 3 October; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5387/12]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform (Deputy Brian Hayes)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 273 to 275, inclusive, together.

It was a requirement of the Tender for these works that the Main Contractor appoint a registered Archaeologist to monitor all excavation works, incorporating the cost of this engagement in his overall fixed tender price. The Main Contractor appointed for these works was Clonmel Enterprises Ltd. who engaged Valerie J. Keeley Ltd., as the Archaeological Consultants for this project.

When the archaeological issue was encountered, located on the site of the two ponds at the outer extremes of the original Star Fort, there was an immediate referral to the National Monuments Service (NMS) of the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. Under the direction of Valerie J. Keeley Ltd., Clonmel Enterprises Ltd. was required to extract all materials from the two identified areas. Archaeologists from Valerie J. Keeley Ltd. undertook the Archaeological Investigation of the area which constituted examination of the silky clay surrounds of the Star Fort and of the extracted materials in compliance with the Ministerial Licence that had to be obtained on foot of this discovery. The estimated cost of the archaeological investigation is €23,195.

Heavy rainfall and the presence of natural springs in certain areas of the road, gave rise to an unacceptable level of water retention in the foundation levels of stretches of the road. Additional excavation and remedial drainage measures were necessary. This, and the aforementioned reconciliation of the unforeseen archaeology, are responsible for the delay to date. Final completion is expected shortly but is dependent on favourable weather conditions for the laying of bitumen/tarmacadam.