BANDON RIVER FLOOD REFLIEF SCHEME: ARCHAEOLOGICAL INSPECTION, BANDON TO CURRANURE, 11D0036, 11R0128
Final Report
THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL DIVING COMPANY LTD.
BANDON RIVER FLOOD REFLIEF SCHEME: ARCHAEOLOGICAL INSPECTION, BANDON TO CURRANURE, 11D0036, 11R0128
06 June 2012
Project Directors Dr. Niall Brady & Rex Bangerter
Brehon House, Kilkenny Road, Castlecomer, Co. Kilkenny [email protected]
THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL DIVING COMPANY LTD.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
List of abbreviations 1
Executive Summary 2 List of Figures 3 Lof Plates 4 1.0 Introduction 10 2.0 The proposed development 10 3.0 The receiving environment 11 4.0 Assessment methodology 13 5.0 Observations 15 6.0 Impact of Development 19 7.0 Recommendations 21 8.0 Appendix 1: Catalogue of Archaeological sites and features of Archaeological Potential observed in the River Bandon inspections, conducted in October 2011. 26 9.0 Bibliography 48
11D0036 11R0128 Bandon River Flood Relief Scheme Archaeological Inspection Bandon to Curranure, Co. Cork
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
ADCO The Archaeological Diving Company Ltd DAHG Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht E Easting N Northing NGR National Grid Reference OPW Office of Public Works RMP Record of Monuments and Places RPS Record of Protected Structures
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Archaeological Diving Company Ltd (ADCO) was commissioned by John Cronin Associates for Ryan Hanley Ltd acting on behalf of the Office of Public Works (OPW) to undertake an archaeological field inspection of a c. 4km length of the Bandon River as part of the studies associated with the proposed Bandon River Flood Relief Scheme. The inspection area includes that portion of the river where dredging is anticipated, between Bandon town and downstream to Curranure, Co. Cork.
The Flood Relief scheme currently includes a series of direct impact civil engineering measures within and alongside the active channel area.
The survey area is dominated by the presence of the town of Bandon at its upstream end. Bandon was founded as a Plantation town in the early 1600s.
The archaeological inspection identified a total of seventeen sites of interest that extend along the length of the inspection area. The site of principal archaeological importance is that of Bandon Bridge (RMP CO110-019009-), the only known archaeological monument within the area investigated. The longer extent of the Bandon River as it flows through the town is also recognized as retaining high archaeological potential.
Flood Relief measures will impact on the river bed and riverbank areas along much of the river area, and will impact on eight of the seventeen archaeological sites recorded, including Bandon Bridge.
Further archaeological mitigations are recommended. The mitigations include pre-construction measures at seven of the seventeen sites, where detailed archaeological survey is necessary. Archaeological investigation is recommended at the site of Bandon Bridge. Archaeological investigation may also be necessary in advance of flood defence walls and embankments. Archaeological monitoring is the principal construction phase mitigation identified, and this would apply throughout the scheme where ground disturbances are proposed.
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LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1: Extract from OS (1:50,000) discovery Series mapping showing location of Bandon and surrounding townalnds.
Figure 2: Extract from RMP Archaeological Mapping showing extent of ADCO River Survey Area.
Figure 3: OS Background mapping showing extent of River Survey undertaken by ADCO.
Figure 4: OS Background mapping showing extent of Underwater Survey undertaken by ADCO.
Figure 5: OS Background mapping showing ADCO River Survey Area, Plate Locations, and Features identified as part of the survey.
Figure 6: OS Background mapping showing ADCO River Survey Area, Plate Locations, and Features identified as part of the survey.
Figure 7: OS Background mapping showing ADCO River Survey Area, Plate Locations, and Features identified as part of the survey.
Figure 8: OS Background mapping showing ADCO River Survey Area, Plate Locations, and Features identified as part of the survey.
Figure 9: OS Background mapping showing ADCO River Survey Area, Plate Locations, and Features identified as part of the survey.
Figure 10: OS Background mapping showing ADCO River Survey Area, Plate Locations, and Features identified as part of the survey.
Figure 11: OS Background mapping showing ADCO River Survey Area, Plate Locations, and Features identified as part of the survey.
Figure 12: OS Background mapping showing Plate and Find Locations from the Underwater Survey (0000m-0750m).
Figure 13: OS Background mapping showing Plate and Find Locations from the Underwater Survey (0750m-1600m).
Figure 14: Extract from OS First Edition (1841) Mapping showing the River Bandon as it flows through Bandon Town. Thumbnail shows location of Survey Features F016 and F017.
Figure 15: Extract from OS First Edition (1841) Mapping showing the River Bandon as it flows through the townlands of Killbeg South and Curranure. Thumbnail shows location of Survey Features F01, F002, and F004 as depicted on the mapping.
Figure 16: Thumbnail extracts from OS 25-inch (1904) mapping showing the location of Survey Features F005, F008, F012, and F014.
Figure 17: OS Background mapping of Proposed Flood Alleviation Works shown in relation to Features identified as part of the river survey.
Figure 18: OS Background mapping showing end point of proposed River Dredging Works.
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LIST OF PLATES
Plate 1: North-facing view of top of weir structure (F001) located at the start point of the River Survey Area, fish pass in foreground (1m scale). See Figure 5 for plate location.
Plate 2: East-facing view of River Bandon taken from weir structure (F001) located at the start point of the River Survey Area. See Figure 5 for plate location.
Plate 3: West-facing view of weir structure (F001) located at start point of River Survey Area, note: exposed limestone bedrock in foreground (1m scale). See Figure 5 for plate location.
Plate 4: North-facing view of section of river walling (F003) located on the north side of the Bandon River (1m scale). See Figure 5 for plate location.
Plate 5: West-facing view of western limit of River Survey Area, weir structure (F001) and water powered electricity generator in background. See Figure 5 for plate location.
Plate 6: East-facing view of section of concrete built upon exposed bedrock within centre of river, pedestrian footbridge in distance (1m scale). See Figure 5 for plate location.
Plate 7: Southwest-facing view of western half of quayside structure F002, located on the southern side of the river. See Figure 5 for plate location.
Plate 8: Detail shot of masonry archway inset into quayside structure F002 located along the southern side of River Bandon (1m scale). See Figure 5 for location.
Plate 9: Detail shot of masonry archway inset into quayside structure F002 located along the southern side of River Bandon (1m scale). See Figure 5 for location.
Plate 10: Detail shot of masonry archway inset into quayside structure F002 located along the southern side of River Bandon (1m scale). See Figure 5 for location.
Plate 11: View of masonry access steps built into quayside structure F002 located along the southern side of River Bandon (1m scale). See Figure 5 for plate location.
Plate 12: Detail shot of masonry archway inset into quayside structure F002 located along the southern side of River Bandon (1m scale). See Figure 5 for location.
Plate 13: Detail shot of masonry archway inset into quayside structure F002 located along the southern side of River Bandon (1m scale). See Figure 5 for location.
Plate 14: Detail shot of masonry archway inset into quayside structure F002 located along the southern side of River Bandon (1m scale). See Figure 5 for location.
Plate 15: View of masonry access steps built into quayside structure F002 located along the southern side of River Bandon (1m scale). See Figure 5 for plate location.
Plate 16: Detail shot of masonry archway inset into quayside structure F002 located along the southern side of River Bandon (1m scale). See Figure 5
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for location.
Plate 17: Detail shot of masonry archway inset into quayside structure F002 located along the southern side of River Bandon (1m scale). See Figure 5 for location.
Plate 18: View of overgrown masonry access steps built into quayside structure F002 located along the southern side of River Bandon (1m scale). See Figure 5 for plate location.
Plate 19: Southeast-facing view of eastern half of quayside structure F002, located on the southern side of the river. See Figure 5 for plate location.
Plate 20: Northeast-facing view of rock amour placed along the northern side of the river running between footbridge and Bandon Bridge. Note: partially demolished nineteenth-century waterfront building in background. See Figure 5 for plate location.
Plate 21: West-facing view of upstream Bandon Bridge (F004). See Figure 5 for plate location.
Plate 22: Northwest-facing view of upstream side of Bandon Bridge (F004). See Figure 5 for plate location.
Plate 23: West-facing view southernmost arch of Bandon Bridge (1m scale). See Figure 5 for plate location.
Plate 24: Northwest-facing view of downstream side of Bandon Bridge, F004 (1m scale). See Figure 5 for plate location.
Plate 25: North-facing view of downstream side of Bandon Bridge (F004) taken from discharge point of adjacent culvert. See Figure 5 for plate location.
Plate 26: West-facing view of section pier structure (F004:01) protruding from southern wall of archway of Bandon Bridge (1m scale). Note: series of timber piles located along pier/ wall base. See Figure 5 for plate location.
Plate 27: Detail shot of timber piles located along the base of southernmost arch of Bandon Bridge (14cm scale). See Figure 5 for plate location.
Plate 28: Detail shot of masonry paving protruding from base of pier (F004:03) located on north side of southernmost arch of Bandon Bridge (1m scale). See Figure 5 for plate location.
Plate 29: Shot of section masonry pier (F004:02) protruding from the upstream side of Bandon Bridge (1m scale). See Figure 5 for plate location.
Plate 30: South-facing view of culvert located immediately downstream of Bandon Bridge (F004). See Figure 5 for plate location.
Plate 31: Southeast-facing view of masonry bridge (F005) located within culvert located downstream of Bandon Bridge. See Figure 5 for plate location.
Plate 32: West-facing view of river Bandon showing concrete wall running along the south side of the waterway (1m scale). See Figure 5 for plate location.
Plate 33: Detail shot of limestone revetment wall (F006) located along the north side of the River Bandon, 180m downstream from Bandon Bridge (1m scale). See Figure 5 for plate location.
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Plate 34: Detail shot of limestone revetment wall (F007) located along the north side of the River Bandon, 287m downstream from Bandon Bridge (1m scale). See Figure 5 for plate location.
Plate 35: Southeast-facing view of rock amour wall placed along the southern side of Bandon River to facilitate a riverside walk (1m scale). See Figure 5 for plate location.
Plate 36: East-facing view of western end of bridge abutment (F008) located on the southern riverbank (1m scale). See Figure 6 for Plate location.
Plate 37: Northwest-facing view of bridge abutment (F008) located on the southern riverbank (1m scale). See Figure 6 for Plate location.
Plate 38: South-facing exemplar view of river taken at NGR: 149879E, 55212N. See Figure 6 for Plate location.
Plate 39: First detail shot of revetment wall (F009) located along the north side of the River Bandon, 639m downstream from Bandon Bridge (1m scale). See Figure 6 for plate location.
Plate 40: Second detail shot of limestone revetment wall (F009) located along the north side of the River Bandon, 639m downstream from Bandon Bridge (1m scale). See Figure 6 for plate location.
Plate 41: Third detail shot of limestone revetment wall (F009) located along the north side of the River Bandon, 639m downstream from Bandon Bridge (1m scale). See Figure 6 for plate location.
Plate 42: South-facing view of poured mass concrete structure inset into the southern bank at NGR: 150114E, 55312N (1m scales). See Figure 6 for plate location.
Plate 43: West-facing view of Bandon River taken at NGR: 150119E, 55337N. See Figure 6 for plate location.
Plate 44: West-facing view of Bandon River taken at NGR: 1502629E, 55425N. See Figure 6 for plate location.
Plate 45: North-east-facing detail shot of section of masonry from possible pier structure protruding from the riverbank at NGR: 150317E, 55481N (1m scale). See Figure 6 for plate location.
Plate 46: East-facing view of section of collapsed masonry from possible pier structure protruding from the riverbank at NGR: 150317E, 55481N (1m scale). See Figure 6 for plate location.
Plate 47: West-facing view of river at possible location of rudimentary structure; possible fish weir (F010). See Figure 7 for plate location.
Plate 48: Detail shot of section of exposed riverbank, NGR: 150346E, 55632N, showing the stratigraphic layers that form the structure at this location (1m scale). See Figure 7 for plate location.
Plate 49: Southwest-facing view of Bandon River taken at NGR: 150335E, 55639N. See Figure 7 for plate location.
Plate 50: Northeast-facing view of Bandon River taken at NGR: 150338E, 55642N. See Figure 8 for plate location.
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Plate 51: South-southwest facing view of Bandon River taken at NGR: 150527E, 55954N. See Figure 8 for plate location.
Plate 52: North-northeast facing view of Bandon River taken at NGR: 150529E, 55958N. See Figure 8 for plate location.
Plate 53: Detail shot of section of exposed riverbank, NGR: 150726E, 56151N, showing the stratigraphic layers that form the structure at this location (1m scale). See Figure 8 for plate location. Note: Sand Martin burrows located along this stretch of riverbank.
Plate 54: Detail shot of section of exposed riverbank, NGR: 150786E, 56181N, showing the stratigraphic layers that form the structure at this location (1m scale). See Figure 8 for plate location. Note: Sand Martin burrows located along this stretch of riverbank.
Plate 55: East-facing view of Bandon River taken at NGR: 150792E, 56170N. See Figure 8 for plate location.
Plate 56: West-facing view of Bandon River taken at NGR: 150797E, 56171N. See Figure 8 for plate location.
Plate 57: South-facing view of section of masonry wall that forms Feature F012; running along the southern side of the river between NGR: 150911E, 56144N and NGR: 151008E, 56165N (1m scale). See Figure 8 for plate location.
Plate 58: Southwest-facing view of the masonry wall (heavily overgrown), F012, that runs along the southern side of the river. See Figure 8 for plate location.
Plate 59: West-facing view of topmost part of eastern terminus of the masonry wall (heavily overgrown), F012, that runs along the southern side of the river. See Figure 8 for plate location.
Plate 60: East-facing view of section of masonry (F013) that protrudes from the southern riverbank, 10m downstream from F012. See Figure 8 for plate location.
Plate 61: East-facing detail shot of section of masonry (F013) that protrudes from the southern riverbank at NGR: 151011E, 56176N. See Figure 8 for plate location.
Plate 62: Northeast-facing view of Bandon River taken at NGR: 151100E, 56400N. See Figure 9 for plate location.
Plate 63: Northeast-facing view of Bandon River taken at NGR: 151362E, 56499N. See Figure 9 for plate location.
Plate 64: Northeast-facing view of Bandon River taken at NGR: 151503E, 56663N. See Figure 9 for plate location.
Plate 65: Northwest-facing view of Bandon River taken at NGR: 151621E, 56899N; access bridge in background. See Figure 10 for plate location.
Plate 66: Northwest-facing view of section of masonry wall (F014) incorporated into the modern access bridge crossing the river at NGR: 151629E, 56936N. See Figure10 for plate location.
Plate 67: Northeast-facing view of section of masonry wall (F014) incorporated into the modern access bridge crossing the river at NGR: 151629E, 56936N.
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See
Plate 68: Northeast-facing view of section of river walling (F015) running along the northern bank between NGR: 151693E, 57016N and NGR: 151884E, 57154N. See Figure 10 for plate location.
Plate 69: Southeast-facing view of Bandon River taken at NGR: 151793E, 57079N. See Figure 10 for plate location.
Plate 70: Northwest-facing view of the location of possible fording point across the river at NGR: 151952E, 57183N. See Figure 11 for plate location.
Plate 71: Northwest-facing view of Bandon River taken at NGR: 151966E, 57183N. See Figure 11 for plate location.
Plate 72: South-facing view of the southern half of linear structure located within central channel of the river, Feature F017- Eel Weir (1m scale). See Figure 11 for plate location.
Plate 73: South-facing view of the northern terminus of linear structure located within central channel of the river, Feature F017- Eel Weir (1m scale). See Figure 11 for plate location.
Plate 74: North-facing view of Bandon River taken at NGR: 152171E, 57567N. See Figure 11 for plate location.
Plate 75: Example shot of riverbed at NGR: 149194E, 55042N, c.70m upstream of Bandon Bridge. See Figure 12 for plate location.
Plate 76: Underwater shot of recently exposed riverbed at NGR: 149260E, 55052N, located beneath Bandon Bridge (14cm scale). See Figure 12 for plate location.
Plate 77: Example shot of two timber piles located at the eastern end of Feature F004:01 (14cm scale) See Figure 12 for plate location.
Plate 78: North-facing shot showing a series masonry blocks, in section, that form part of potential paving feature F004:03 (14cm scale). See Figure 12 for plate location.
Plate 79: Example shot of series of timber piles located immediately adjacent to the bridge piers from Bandon Bridge (14cm scale). See Figure 12 for plate location.
Plate 80: Example shot of riverbed at NGR: 149289E, 55066N, 16m downstream of Bandon Bridge (14cm scale). Note: ceramic fragments within matrix. See Figure 12 for plate location.
Plate 81: Underwater shot of poured mass concrete capping over sewage pipeline inserted across the river, between NGR: 149310E/ 055100N (south bank) and NGR: 149320E/ 055135N (north bank), in 2006 as part of Bandon Sewage Scheme (14cm scale). See Figure 12 for plate location.
Plate 82: Underwater shot of recently broken ceramic sewer pipe crossing the river 50m downstream of Bandon Bridge (14cm scale). See Figure 12 for plate location. Example shot of riverbed at NGR: 149351E, 55096N, 83m downstream of Bandon Bridge (14cm scale). See Figure 12 for plate location.
Plate 83: Example shot of riverbed at NGR: 149351E, 55096N, 83m downstream of Bandon Bridge (14cm scale). See Figure 12 for plate location.
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Plate 84: Example shot of riverbed at NGR: 149462E, 55115N, 194m downstream of Bandon Bridge (14cm scale). See Figure 13 for plate location.
Plate 85: Example shot of riverbed at NGR: 149540E, 55123N (14cm scale). See Figure 13 for plate location.
Plate 86: Example shot of riverbed at NGR: 149629E, 55128N. See Figure 13 for plate location.
Plate 87: Example shot of riverbed at NGR: 149697E, 55136N. See Figure 13 for plate location.
Plate 88: Underwater shot of Timber Pile (oak) protruding from the riverbed at NGR: 149774E, 55143N (14cm scale). See Figure 13 for plate location.
Plate 89: Underwater shot of Timber Pile (oak) protruding from the riverbed at NGR: 149777E, 55139N (14cm scale). See Figure 13 for plate location.
Plate 90: Example shot of riverbed at NGR: 149796E, 55145N. See Figure 13 for plate location.
Plate 91: Example shot of riverbed at NGR: 149806E, 55149N. Note: three mortared red bricks (14cm scale). See Figure 13 for plate location.
Plate 92: Example shot of riverbed at NGR: 149828E, 55160N (14cm scale).
Plate 93: Example shot of riverbed at NGR: 149849E, 55171N (14cm scale). See Figure 13 for plate location.
Plate 94: Example shot of riverbed at NGR: 149855E, 55178N (14cm scale). Note: bedrock upstanding from riverbed. See Figure 13 for plate location.
Plate 95: Example shot of riverbed at NGR: 149913E, 55222N. Note: iron link chain concerted to riverbed (14cm scale). See Figure 13 for plate location.
Plate 96: Example shot of riverbed at NGR: 150018E, 55278N (14cm scale). See Figure 13 for plate location.
Plate 97: Example shot of riverbed at NGR: 150131E, 55340N (14cm scale). See Figure 13 for plate location.
Plate 98: Internal View: detail shot of two medieval pottery rim fragments (orange/ red earthenware with internal green glaze) recovered from riverbed beneath Bandon Bridge (14cm scale).
Plate 99: Side View: detail shot of two medieval pottery rim fragments (orange/ red earthenware with internal green glaze) from riverbed beneath Bandon Bridge (14cm scale).
Plate 100: Selection of ceramic fragments recovered from riverbed immediately downstream of Bandon Bridge; Salt glaze stoneware fragment, earthenware fragment, blue & white ware plate fragment, blackware fragment, and two stoneware fragments (14cm scale).
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1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 General
The Archaeological Diving Company Ltd (ADCO) was commissioned by John Cronin Associates for Ryan Hanley Ltd acting on behalf of the Office of Public Works (OPW) to undertake an archaeological field inspection of a c. 4km length of the Bandon River as part of the studies associated with the proposed Bandon Flood Relief Scheme. The inspection area includes that portion of the river where dredging is anticipated, between Bandon town and downstream to Curranure, Co. Cork.
An archaeological desktop assessment carried out by John Cronin Associates informed the present archaeological work, which consisted of on-site dive and waded survey along the 4km length of river channel, to observe and record sites and features of archaeological interest and potential. The on-site work was conducted under licenses issued by the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (DAHG), licences 11D0036, 11R0128, and took place 5th-8th October 2011. The present report is a statement on the findings from the site inspection work. It is further informed by engineering proposals for flood relief works, as available in October 2011.
The report presents the archaeological findings by describing them in overview and then in detail on a site-by-site basis. General recommendations are made for the archaeological mitigation that can be anticipated in relation to the overall scheme, and site-specific recommendations are made on an individual basis. A catalogue of sites observed is presented as Appendix 1.
1.2 Location
The area inspected extended from Bandon town to Curranure, from a point within the active river channel above Bandon town on Bandon Weir at 148934 Easting (E), 55021 Northing (N), to a point downstream at 152186E, 57580N (Figure 1).
2.0 THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT
The Flood Relief scheme currently includes the following civil engineering measures within and alongside the active channel area:
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• The riverbed is to be deepened by 1.8m at a point just downstream of Bandon Weir, where the deepened riverbed will be at 9.5m OD, and dredging will extend downstream for 3.5km to O’Driscoll’s Bridge, at a gradient of 1/1000.
• Dredging will remove approximately 150,000m³ of material.
• A new fish pass will be built at Bandon weir.
• Bandon Bridge and Pedestrian Bridge will be underpinned.
• A new 2.0 m high local flood defence wall will be constructed on the left bank upstream of Bandon Bridge.
• New flood defence walls up to 1.1m high will be constructed on the left bank downstream of Bandon Bridge for 450m.
• New flood defence walls up to 1.1m high and flood defence embankments up to 1.8m high will be constructed on the right bank from Bandon Bridge to the wastewater treatment plant.
• Existing flood defence walls along Bridewell River will be improved.
• Existing flood embankment at shopping centre will be improved.
• A new culvert will be constructed to Mill Stream.
3.0 THE RECEIVING ENVIRONMENT
Bandon is well known as one of Cork’s principal towns, with an industrial heritage that was tied closely to its river. The river continues to serve as an important maritime corridor, although the bulk of the activities occur downstream, below Inishannon. Archaeological work within Bandon has looked at the town itself, with only limited opportunity to consider the river directly.1 One project took place below Bandon Bridge in advance of a pipeline development.2 The non-disturbance dive survey recorded an archaeologically featureless riverbed at the impact area, but noted a series of pottery fragments among the footings of Bandon Bridge. This is hardly surprising given that the bridge site has been the principal crossing point for the settlement since it was founded.
1 An overview of the receiving environment is provided in the ‘Bandon Flood Relief Scheme, Archaeological, Architectural and Cultural Heritage Constraints Report’, prepared by John Cronin and Associates, 2010. 2 Rex Bangerter, 06D073, 06R169, Archaeological Assessment, Bandon River, Downstream of Bandon Bridge; unpublished report of The Archaeological Diving Company Ltd, 2006.
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The town owes its origins to the Munster Plantation when Desmond lands were forfeit to the Queen. In the very early 1600s a town was laid out in an organized fashion. A map of 1620 survives that shows a formal rectangular defensive circuit of walls retaining a busy and populated settlement (see figure under the entry for Bandon Bridge, Appendix 1 Feature 004). A market was recorded in 1611, and the town received its charter in 1613.3
The town was developed to the north and to the south of the river, and the river was an integral part of the seventeenth-century settlement. This is seen in the series of features that are recorded on the 1620 map. The town’s bridge crossed the Bandon on the site of the present-day bridge, and the town walls appear to have crossed the river immediately east of the bridge, although one wonders what this cartographic device was really showing. The same device is indicated on the western (upstream) side of the town. It is unlikely that the viewer should interpret the device as an outer line of defensive walling. It may perhaps have been a defended barrage of timber or other floating works. In any event, the real ‘hard’ features lay inside these perimeter features. On the east was the bridge. On the west lay the salmon weir, and the alignment of the present-day Bandon Weir is exactly the same. In addition, the weir appears to have been joined with town wall defences to the south, and with a very sizeable water mill complex on the north side, the latter becoming Bandon Mills. There was also a river island occupying the centre of the channel downstream of the weir. It was connected to the town by small bridges to the north and to the south. The channel has long since disappeared, although its presence is indicated by a series of shoals on later Ordnance Survey maps, and the two narrow bridges were replaced by the ‘East Bridge’ pedestrian bridge that spanned the full river to continue to link both sides of the burgeoning town.
It is striking that the essential geography of the seventeenth century town has survived despite the town’s growth, and this is particularly true along the river. It is a pattern that is seen in other towns across Ireland. One can mention the King’s River in Limerick, the River Nore in Kilkenny, and the River Suir in Clonmel, as examples where major civil development projects have taken place in recent years on stretches of river that flow through medieval and early modern towns. In each case, the archaeological potential was not appreciated fully at the outset, and it has been a surprise to all parties that such rich remains were discovered in the course of the
3 Patrick O’Flanagan, Bandon Irish Historic Towns Atlas No. 3 (Royal Irish Academy, Dublin 1988), p. 13.
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dredging and related impact works. The archaeological potential of Bandon speaks for itself, and there should be no doubt that the potential for new and important discovery in the course of the flood relief scheme is very high. It is therefore most necessary to gauge that importance with a series of pre-construction measures that will provide a managed approach to the successful resolution of the archaeological record. The current report is one preliminary stage in that process, and it seeks to establish a baseline of information from an inspection of the river area.
4.0 ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY
4.1 Survey Methodology
A visual survey of Bandon River and its attendant bank structures was undertaken along a 4.1km stretch of the waterway, from 148934E, 55021N at Bandon Weir to 152186E, 57580N, 3.2km downstream and northeast of Bandon Town. Waded access was possible for the shallower parts of the river, and a full underwater dive survey was required for a 1.6km stretch of deeper water through Bandon town, between 148934E, 55021N and 150308E, 55503N, which is also the zone of greatest archaeological potential or risk.
Water depths encountered ranged from 0.20m to 1.2m, with much of the survey area being less than 0.50m in depth. Water velocity was high at the time of survey because of recent rainfall, yet underwater visibility remained good throughout, ranging between 4m-5m. Diving operations were carried out to HSA/HSE standards and were supported with suitable boat cover. A finds retrieval strategy dealing with conservation issues, cataloguing, and locational recording was in place in the event that artefacts were recovered during the survey.
The survey was completed by a team of underwater archaeologists well practiced in the gathering of archaeological data from riverine environments. The survey sought to identify and document any features of archaeological and historical interest located within the survey area. Such features typically include structures associated with extractive use of the waterway (for example, mill weirs, mill ponds, mill races, fish weirs/ traps, eel weirs, etc.); features linked to river transportation (piers, jetties, and quays); water-powered manufacturing sites (Wool, Flour, and Grain Mills); features concerned with river maintenance (flood embankments, bankside stabilization measures, river revetments); and features that from part of transportation links across/ along a waterway (such as fording points, bridge structures, and railway lines).
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Sites and features observed were recorded using a standard site-recording sheet, which requires locational information to be recorded, such as Irish National Grid and townland name; a basic description; the measured exposed extent; notation on the extent of remains visible above and below the waterline; and a brief condition assessment statement. Sites were also photographed from accessible angles to convey the sense, size and context. The survey identified seventeen sites or features of interest within the survey area, and these are described individually in Appendix 1 of the present report.
4.2 Classification of Impacts
Assessment of impact is informed by the ‘Guidelines on the information to be contained in Environmental Impact Statements’, 2002, EPA; ‘Advice notes on Current Practice (in preparation of Environmental Impact Statements), 2003, EPA; and ‘Guidelines for the Assessment of Archaeological Heritage Impacts of National Road Schemes’, National Roads Authority.
Impacts are generally categorised as either being direct, indirect, or as having no predicted impact:
Direct impact occurs when an item of archaeological heritage is located within the centreline of the proposed development works and entails the removal of part, or all, of the archaeological feature.
Indirect impact may be caused where a feature or site of archaeological interest is located in close proximity of the proposed development.
No predicted impact occurs when the proposed development option does not adversely or positively affect an archaeological heritage site.
The impact categories are assessed further in terms of the quality of the impact, which is deemed to be negative, neutral, or positive:
Negative Impact is applied when a change will detract from or permanently remove an archaeological monument from the landscape.
Neutral Impact is applied when a change does not affect the archaeological heritage.
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Positive Impact: is applied when a change improves or enhances the setting of an archaeological monument.
A significance rating for these impacts is then applied; whether profound, significant, moderate, slight, or imperceptible:
Profound applies where mitigation would be unlikely to remove adverse effects. This is reserved for adverse, negative effects only. These effects arise where an archaeological site is completely and irreversibly destroyed by a proposed development.
Significant applies when an impact, by its magnitude, duration or intensity, alters an important aspect of the environment. An impact like this would be where the part of a site would be permanently impacted upon leading to a loss of character, integrity and data about the archaeological feature/site.
Moderate applies when a change to the site is proposed that, though noticeable, does not compromise the archaeological integrity of the site and which is reversible. This arises where an archaeological feature can be incorporated into a modern day development without damage and where all procedures used to facilitate this are reversible.
Slight applies when changes are caused to the character of the environment that are not significant or profound and do not directly impact or affect an archaeological feature or monument.
Imperceptible applied where an impact is capable of measurement but does not carry noticeable consequences.
5.0 OBSERVATIONS
5.1 River bank Topography
The River Bandon rises in the Maughanaclea Hills and flows eastward through the towns of Dunmanway, Ballineen, Enniskeane, Bandon, and Inishannon before reaching the river estuary at Kinsale. The river flows through Bandon in a northeasterly direction to its confluence with the River Brinny downstream of Inishannon Bridge. The river provides a dynamic environment in which changes in river topography and bottom composition are frequent. Within the confines of the
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town, the river is delineated by man-made structures that include a masonry quayside; sections of masonry walling; rock-amour gabions; and poured mass- concrete walkways (Plates 7, 19-20, 32, 35). Downstream of the town, the river environment is more natural in character; the channel is bounded by tree-lined river banks that are overgrown with tall grasses and low-lying vegetation (Plates 43-44). The attendant banks vary considerably in height across the survey area, ranging between 0.60m to 2m in height. In a number of places, the river bank is cleared of vegetation, exposing a vertical face, which consistently revealed four distinct layers that appeared to be a naturally formed stratigraphic sequence (Plates 48, 53-54):
• an overlying, topmost, layer or earth and sod (up to 0.30m in depth); • a layer of fine silty-sand with few inclusions (up to 0.80m in depth);4 • a transition layer of silty-clay with occasional stone and gravel inclusions (up to 0.20m in depth); • a base layer composed of a compact silty-clay with frequent stone and gravel inclusions (up to 0.70m in depth).
5.2 River bed Topography
The topography of the river also varies in terms of riverbed composition and sediment depth. Exposed bedrock is frequently visible along the upper 400m of the survey area, where it protrudes from both the riverbed and the attendant river bank structures (Plates 3, 6-7). Exposed outcrops of flat bedrock are particularly evident on the downstream side of Bandon Weir and the upstream side of Bandon Bridge, where it is evident that both structures were built in part directly on bedrock (Plate 22). The presence of the bedrock may well have influenced the location of these important crossing points, and could have presented earlier opportunities as natural fording points across the river.
Exposed bedrock is also to be seen approximately 500m downstream of Bandon Bridge, at 149804E, 55148N. Shelving bedrock extends from both river banks, with peaks of bedrock remaining exposed within the riverbed (Plate 94). Dips and hollows within the bedrock sub-strata are filled with deep deposits of river cobbles, gravels, and sand, and these represent localized areas of deposition and entrapment. The potential for such locations to retain archaeological interest is highlighted by the fact
4 On-site evidence suggests that the upper margin of this layer has been utilized by a colony of sand martins.
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that a foot bridge once crossed the river here, marked on the Ordnance Survey Third Edition & 25“ map series.
Much of the riverbed is covered by sub-rounded cobbles and rounded pebbles. The cobbles are typically 10cm x 15cm in size, and the pebbles measure some 2cm in size (Plate 83). The cobbling forms a surface deposit that is up to 25cm deep and sits above a compact fine- to medium- silty-sand of unknown depth, with frequent gravel and pebble inclusions (Plate 76).
The Bandon River is fast flowing and this contributes to changes in sediment depth and composition throughout the survey area. The accumulation of small pebbles, river gravels, and coarse sand was noted in those areas where water velocity is decreased. These are locations where archaeological remains can be expected, as artefacts that have washed in from further upstream. In contrast, where velocity is increased, finer sediments will have been washed downstream and it is less likely that mobile artefacts will be preserved in such high energy dynamic environments.
5.3 Sites and Features
Seventeen sites of archaeological interest were observed during the inspection. A catalogue of the sites is presented as Appendix 1 of the present report. The sites are identified along the c. 4km stretch of the Bandon River inspected. The majority of the sites are not of great antiquity, and consist of a series of riverside revetment features and small-scale piers, built in local stone using traditional techniques. The sites of greater interest lie within the reaches of Bandon town itself, and include Bandon Weir (Feature 001) and Bandon Bridge (Feature 004), the only recorded archaeological monument (CO110-019009). It is also necessary to include the river channel and river bed itself as an archaeological feature, as this retains artefacts that have washed into deposition areas, and it will also retain lesser features such as timber alignments and other minor pieces that help to construct the more complex archaeological narrative. The river is to be dredged to a depth that is 1.8m below its current level; this represents a significant excavation process that will invariably expose material remains that are not currently known.
One aspect of Bandon Bridge is worth mentioning because it illustrates the complexity of the wider project. Although the present-day bridge appears to be a nineteenth-century build, the stonework masks a sequence of earlier constructions, some of which is visible in the most southern arch. There is also a series of starling piles inserted around the various piers, presumably to safeguard against scouring.
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Historically, bridges are noted in Bandon from 1594, and there are two records of the bridge in Bandon being destroyed by flooding, in 1659 and 1765 respectively. The 1594 bridge inevitably may be associated with the building of the Planter town, but the discovery of medieval pottery sherds in the silt deposits beneath the bridge in the course of the present inspection presents evidence to suggest that there are reasonable grounds to expect the remains of still earlier features at this site.
5.4 Conclusions
The underwater survey has highlighted the archaeological potential of the riverbed as it flows through Bandon Town. The site of Bandon Weir; the riverbed downstream of the weir; and Bandon Bridge all retain a high level of archaeological potential. Work in the river can reveal previously unrecorded aspects of the history and development of the town since it was founded in the early 1600s. In addition, the recovery of medieval pottery fragments from the riverbed beneath Bandon Bridge (F004, Find: 001) reinforces the possibility that such works can reveal still earlier strata. The history of Bandon prior to 1600 is not well known, and any work that can cast light on this matter will make a valuable contribution to the subject.
Bandon’s importance in more recent times is based on eighteenth and nineteenth- century river activity that was focused on the channel area downstream of the present study, and specifically between Inishannon and the river’s estuary. Yet the river witnessed substantial activity further upstream in terms of river management and resource extraction. The archaeological inspection has identified features of historic interest dating from the mid- eighteenth century through to the early twentieth century, which include: the reworked Bandon Weir (F001), a masonry quayside (F002), two bridge structures (F004-5), a bridge abutment (F008 & F014), five sections of river revetment (F003, F006-7, F009, F015), a pier/ jetty structure (F010), a railway revetment wall (F012), a fishing platform (F013), a fish weir (F011), a possible fording point (F016, and an eel Weir (F017). Thirteen of the above sites have been newly indentified as part of the current survey, while F001 (Weir Structure), F002 (Burlington/ McSwiney Quay), and F004 (Bandon Bridge) are previously known sites.
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6.0 IMPACT OF DEVELOPMENT
In general terms, the flood relief measures represent a series of direct impacts throughout the course of the c. 4km stretch of the Bandon River, and further mitigations can be anticipated to resolve the archaeological requirements associated with the scheme. Such archaeological mitigations would take place in advance of the flood relief measures being implemented, and a monitoring requirement would apply during the construction phase.
Dredging represents a direct impact on the river bed and bank areas. Where dredging is limited to maintenance works, such impacts may be regarded as moderate or slight. However capital dredging carries profound impact. The proposal to deepen the channel by 1.8m over a 3.5km length of the Bandon River represents a direct and profound impact. In the instances where this dredging will impact with known archaeological monuments, such as Bandon Bridge, the impact may be regarded as direct, negative and profound.
The insertion of a new fish pass at Bandon weir represents a direct impact. However it appears that the works will be focused on an area of the weir that has been developed substantially already, and therefore the likelihood of encountering archaeologically significant material is reduced, but not removed.
Underpinning works of existing bridge structures represent direct impacts. In the case of Bandon Bridge, such works represent direct and profound impacts, and should be preceded by a series of archaeological mitigations to ensure that a full and ample archaeological record is acquired prior to such works taking place.
The construction of flood defence walls represents a direct impact on the ground surfaces affected that, depending on the location, can include known features of archaeological interest. Where this is the case, archaeological mitigation can be anticipated in advance of the wall constructions proceeding, to ensure that an adequate record is made of the impact footprint. Typically such work would be limited to the footprint required for ground surface stripping.
The construction of flood defence embankments represents a direct impact on the ground surfaces affected that, depending on the location, can include known features of archaeological interest. Where this is the case, archaeological mitigation can be anticipated in advance of the embankments constructions proceeding, to ensure that
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an adequate record is made of the impact footprint. Typically such work would be limited to the footprint required for ground surface stripping.
Where excavations are required into undeveloped ground, such as may be associated with culvert insertions, the impact will be regarded as direct and would anticipate archaeological mitigation in advance. Where no archaeological feature is known to exist in such locations, machine-assisted archaeological test-trench investigation would assess the nature of the underlying ground levels.
The existing flood relief measures indicate a series of impacts at the sites identified in the course of the archaeological survey, and the impacts are summarized in Table 1.
No. Name Site type Easting Northing Impact Impact level
1 Bandon Weir Weir 148914 54996 Fish Pass, Direct, Neutral, Rock Ramp Slight
2 Burlington Quay 148931 54991 Rock Ramp Indirect, Quay Neutral, Slight
3 None River 149016 55062 None None walling
4 Bandon Bridge 149268 55408 Underpinning Direct, Bridge Bridge, Negative, Dredging of Profound riverbed
5 None Bridge 149288 55031 None None
6 None Revetment 149449 55137 Flood Direct, wall Defence Negative, Walls Significant
7 None Revetment 149449 55137 Flood Direct, wall Defence Negative, Walls Significant
8 None Abutment 149792 55132 Flood Direct, Defence Negative, Walls, River Significant Dredging
9 None Revetment 149893 55232 None None wall
10 None Pier/Jetty 150317 55482 Flood Direct, Defence Negative, Walls, River Significant Dredging
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No. Name Site type Easting Northing Impact Impact level
11 None Weir 150339 55559 River Direct, (possible) Dredging Negative, Slight
12 None Revetment 150911 56144 None None
13 None Platform 151011 56176 None None
14 None Wall 151630 55937 None None
15 None Wall 151693 57016 None None
16 None Ford 151952 57184 None None
17 None Weir 152027 57330 None None
Table 1: Summary of the proposed flood relief impacts at the 17 sites of archaeological interest identified within the archaeological survey area on the Bandon River
7.0 RECOMMENDATIONS
The archaeological inspection has identified a series of archaeological sites within the development footprint for the Bandon River Flood Relief Scheme. It is recommended that further archaeological mitigations are carried out to assess and record the nature and extent of the archaeological resource described in this report more fully. The recommendations are summarized on Table 2, and are also described on a site-by- site basis in Appendix 1.
Pre-construction phase measures and construction-phases measures are recommended.
A series of project management recommendations are included in this report to ensure that the archaeological mitigation is integrated seamlessly into the project design, to contribute to an efficient and cost-effective programme of works.
All on-site archaeological measures are subject to archaeological licensing by the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. Sufficient lead-time must be allowed to ensure that archaeological permits and licences are in place before the archaeologists can present on site and related works commence. Licence processing by the Department currently takes a minimum of three working weeks. It is strongly
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recommended that lead times not less than six weeks are factored into the project schedules to ensure there are no delays on this count.
No. Name Site type Impact Recommendations
Pre- Construction construction
n/a Bandon River River bed Dredging and various None Archaeological protection measures monitoring
n/a Bandon River River banks Flood defence walls Archaeological Archaeological and embankments, machine- monitoring culvert assisted testing
1 Bandon Weir Weir Fish Pass, Rock Archaeological Archaeological Ramp survey monitoring
2 Burlington Quay Rock Ramp Archaeological Archaeological Quay survey monitoring
3 None River None None None walling
4 Bandon Bridge Underpinning Bridge, Archaeological Archaeological Bridge Dredging of riverbed survey, excavation archaeological investigation
5 None Bridge None None None
6 None Revetment Flood Defence Walls Archaeological Archaeological wall survey monitoring
7 None Revetment Flood Defence Walls Archaeological Archaeological wall survey monitoring
8 None Abutment Flood Defence Walls, Archaeological Archaeological River Dredging survey monitoring
9 None Revetment None None None wall
10 None Pier/Jetty Flood Defence Walls, Archaeological Archaeological River Dredging survey monitoring
11 None Weir River Dredging None Archaeological (possible) monitoring
12 None Revetment None None None
13 None Platform None None None
14 None Wall None None None
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No. Name Site type Impact Recommendations
Pre- Construction construction
15 None Wall None None None
16 None Ford None None None
17 None Weir None None None
Table 2: Summary of the archaeological recommendations associated with the known archaeological sites and potential archaeological areas identified within the archaeological survey area on the Bandon River
7.1 Pre-construction Measures
It is recommended that detailed archaeological survey is carried out at sites 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 8 and 10. Archaeological survey will provide metrically accurate measured plans, elevations and related drawings supported by photographic record of the structural features extant at each site. Such work would focus on those locations where development impacts are proposed, and will provide a complete record of the site prior to its development.
It is recommended that archaeological testing take place at site 4 (Bandon Bridge) in advance of development, to ascertain the nature and extent of the bridge remains and related deposits. The work would achieve a detailed record of the depths of archaeological deposit in the area of the bridge.
It is recommended that consideration be given to stripping the topsoil beneath proposed flood defence walls and embankments in advance of their construction, to assess the presence or absence of archaeological strata.
Additional archaeological mitigation may arise following these mitigations.
7.2 Construction Phase Measures
It is premature to describe a detailed construction phase mitigation strategy since these details are still under design. Nevertheless it can be expected that a programme of ARCHAEOLOGICAL MONITORING may be required during ground disturbances on land and on the river bed associated with the scheme, with the proviso for full excavation of any archaeologically significant material uncovered at
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this time. Archaeological monitoring allows for the record be made of any features or artefacts observed in the course of the construction works.
7.3 Project Management Measures
RETAINING AN ARCHAEOLOGIST/S. An archaeologist experienced in maritime archaeology and dredging should be retained for the duration of the relevant works.
THE TIME SCALE for the pre-construction and construction phases should be made available to the archaeologist, with information on where and when the various elements and ground disturbances and dredging will take place.
SUFFICIENT NOTICE. It is essential for the developer to give sufficient notice to the archaeologist/s in advance of the pre-construction and construction works commencing. This will allow for prompt arrival on site to undertake additional surveys and to monitor ground disturbances. As often happens, intervals may occur during the construction phase. In this case, it is also necessary to inform the archaeologist/s as to when ground disturbance works will recommence.
DISCOVERY OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL MATERIAL. In the event of archaeological features or material being uncovered during the construction phase, it is crucial that any machine work cease in the immediate area to allow the archaeologist/s to inspect any such material.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL MATERIAL. Once the presence of archaeologically significant material is established, full archaeological recording of such material is recommended. If it is not possible for the construction works to avoid the material, full excavation would be recommended. The extent and duration of excavation would be a matter for discussion between the client and the licensing authorities.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL TEAM. It is recommended that the core of a suitable archaeological team, including an archaeological dive team, be on standby to deal with any such rescue excavation. This would be complimented in the event of a full excavation.
SECURE SITE OFFICES and facilities should be provided on or near those sites where excavation is required.
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SECURE WET AND DRY STORAGE for artefacts recovered during the course of the monitoring and related work should be provided on or near those sites where excavation is required.
BUOYING of any such areas would be necessary once discovered and during excavation.
ADEQUATE FUNDS to cover excavation, post-excavation analysis, and any testing or conservation work required should be made available.
MACHINERY TRAFFIC during construction must be restricted as to avoid any of the selected sites and their environs.
SPOIL should not be dumped on any of the selected sites or their environs.
PLEASE NOTE: All of the above observations and conclusions are based on the archaeological information and information supplied for the Bandon River Flood Relief Scheme. Should any alteration occur, further assessment would be required.
PLEASE NOTE: Recommendations are subject to approval by the regulatory authorities at the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.
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8.0 APPENDIX 1: CATALOGUE OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES AND FEATURES OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL POTENTIAL OBSERVED IN THE RIVER BANDON INSPECTIONS, CONDUCTED IN OCTOBER 2011.
The catalogue of features of archaeological interest observed in the course of the inspection survey is presented below. A separate entry is given for each of the seventeen features recorded. The entries provide location and reference information, a basic description, and site cartographic and photographic details. A site impact assessment categorized according to the parameters provided in Section 4.2 of this report is made, based on the project proposals of October 2011. Each entry is completed with outline recommendations to mitigate further archaeological work as necessary in light of these proposals.
Feature 001 Name Weir (Bandon) Site Type Weir and associated salmon run Townland Bandon (Coolfadda/Gully) RMP (Record of None Monuments and Places) RPS (Record of None Protected Structures) NGR 148914E, 54996N — 148954E, 55041N Dimensions 60m length x 6m width Figure(s) 5,12,14,17 Plate(s) 1-3 Cartography OS 6” 1st, 2nd, & 3rd Edition maps & the OS 25” Town Map River Topography 5-6 Plates(s) Nature of Impact(s) Direct - Neutral — Slight Description of Insertion of new Fish Pass; Rock Ramp Impact(s)
Detail from ‘The plot of the towne of Bandonbridge for lo Carew’, c.1620, based on the original in Trinity College Dublin, TCD MS1209, showing the integral nature of
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the weir and the old town. Downloaded from the website www.paulturner.ca where the original map has been annotated. Note the complex of features with a river island situated downstream of a set of weirs, bridges connecting the town to the island, and a substantial water mill on the north side of the river. The town defences are also indicated crossing the river upstream of the weir.
Detail from Ordnance Survey First Edition 6-inch series map showing the transformed nature of the river channel in Bandon by 1841, where the river island has been reduced to a shoals, the early mill site replaced by Bandon Mills, and the old salmon weirs more formerly constructed into the elaborate feature that stands today. Downloaded from www.osi.ie
Detail from Ordnance Survey 25 inch map showing much of the detail described in the six-inch series but also suggesting that the former bridges linking the river island to the town were replaced by a East Bridge. Downloaded from www.OSi.ie
Description A map of the town of Bandon in 1620 shows a complex sequence of features in the river channel at the site of the present-day weir. As pictured, there was a substantial river island occupying the central area of the river channel immediately downstream of the weir, with bridges linking the island to the town on the north and south sides. A
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large water mill lay between the island and the weir on the north side and seems to have extended as far as the weir. The town defences are indicated as crossing the river further upstream. The sequence of features indicates a very intensive level of engineering works within the river, and the integral nature of the Bandon River to the well-being of the town. By the mid-nineteenth century these details had changed, as depicted in the Ordnance Survey map. Most significantly, the river island was reduced to a set of small islets or shoals downstream of the now much more formal salmon weir. The weir continued to extend from the watermill site on the north bank, running at an angle across the river, and the map shows that the southern terminus of the weir joined with the old town wall defences. The watermill on the north bank, which was an elaborate building in the 1620 map, was portrayed as a substantial building in the mid-1800s, as the Bandon Mills site. The 25-inch Ordnance Survey map adds further detail and suggests that the older sequence of bridges linking the river island with the town in 1620 had been replaced by a single bridge, East Bridge.
Today, the standing weir of late-eighteenth or early nineteenth-century date is what dominates this location (Feature 001). Bandon Corn Mill was destroyed by fire in the 1960s and is now occupied by a block of residential apartments. The mill formed a large L-shaped complex that stood on the north side of the river, opposite Burlington Quay (now McSwiney Quay). The south end of the weir structure is situated 8m west of the terminus of Burlington Quay (NGR 148914E, 54996N). The weir crosses the river in a north-northeast direction to a point 6m south of the north riverbank (NGR 148954E, 55041N), where it accommodates a recently constructed electricity generation unit (Figure 5, Plates 1-3). The electricity unit appears to have been constructed on the site of the original mill-wheel and sluice gates that once powered the water mill. The weir has been repaired and altered, but the original fabric survives along with much of its extent. A modern fish pass is located on the south side of the weir structure, at NGR 148917E, 55000N.
Despite the rebuilding and adaptations of this site and its environs, there remains a considerable degree of continuity with elements that are known to have existed since 1620, albeit only the weir is still visible above ground.
Proposed Impact It is understood that a new fish pass is to be inserted at the location of the existing fish pass structure. The current fish pass is a modern construction and the insertion of a new fish pass is expected to have minimal impact on the weir structure itself. A rock ramp will be extended towards the weir, but it does not appear to impact with the weir
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structure directly. The level of flood relief impacts is considered to be Direct, Neutral, and Slight.
Recommendations Bandon Weir is the focal point for a complex of archaeological features known to exist since the 1600s. Much of the remains are no longer visible, and the weir structure appears to date from the late eighteenth/early nineteenth century. There has not been any known archaeological survey of the visible structures. Food relief impacts will occur on the weir site. The impacts are to be confined to the area of the existing concrete-made fish pass. The following recommendations are made: 1. The opportunity should be taken to record the weir structure in detail as this will provide the immediate context for the works associated with the new fish weir. The detailed archaeological survey would presented a sequence of measured drawings of the weir that will inform the more detailed flood relief design impact measures in this location. 2. Archaeological monitoring is recommended during the construction phase, to record the nature and extent of the removal of the existing fish pass and, most importantly, to record what lies beneath the concrete of the fish pass, as this may inform the nature of the pre-existing weir and related structures in this location.
Feature 002 Name Burlington Quay (McSwiney Quay) Site Type Quayside Townland Bandon (Gully) RMP None RPS None NGR 148931E, 54991N — 149250E, 55046N Dimensions 320m length Figure(s) 5,12,14,17 Plate(s) 7-19 Cartography OS 6” 1st, 2nd, & 3rd Edition maps & the OS 25” Town Map River Topography 20, 75 Plate(s) Nature of Impact(s) Indirect- Neutral- Slight Description of Insertion of Rock Ramp Impact(s)
Description Feature 002 is thought to date from the early part of the nineteenth century. It represents a substantial quayside structure measuring over 300m in length (Plates 7, 19). Integral to this construction is a series of seven archways that once provided direct access to the river (Plates 8-10, 12-14, 16-17). These access points are now blocked using limestone masonry, and this work may have taken place as part of
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road-widening in the late 1800s. Access to the river was replaced by masonry steps at three locations along the structure (Plates 11, 15, & 18). In addition, a footbridge was inserted into the quayside, providing pedestrian access between Burlington Quay (McSwiney Quay) to the south, and Mill Lane to the north (Plate 6). There is no indication of any landings associated with the early bridge that once spanned the river c.30m downstream of Bandon Weir, as depicted on the 1620s map of Bandon town, suggesting that the present walling post-dates this feature.
Proposed Impact A rock ramp is to be inserted along the south side of the river between NGR 148925E, 54999N and 149035E, 55016N. The ramp will be placed immediately adjacent to Burlington Quay (F002) and will run from the eastern side of Bandon Weir (F001) to a point c.7m upstream of a pedestrian foot bridge that crosses the river at NGR 149042E, 55022N. The rock ramp will extend to cover one arch of the quayside structure. The level of flood relief impacts is considered to be Indirect, Neutral, and Slight.
Recommendations 1. The opportunity should be taken to record the quay structure in detail where it is to be indirectly impacted by the imposition of the rock ramp, as these works will result in that portion of the quay being buried from future view. 2. Archaeological monitoring is recommended during the construction phase, to ensure that no additional impact occurs in this location, and that adequate record is made if such impacts occur.
Feature 003 Name None Site Type River walling Townland Bandon (Coolfadda) RMP None RPS None NGR 149016E, 55062N — 149034E, 55059N Dimensions 19m length Figure(s) 5,12,17 Plate(s) 4 Cartography ---- River Topography ---- Plate(s) Nature of Impact(s) None predicted Description of No impact at this location Impact(s)
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Description Feature 003 represents a 19m-long section of masonry walling located on the north side of the river, immediately west of a footbridge that crosses the river (Plate 4). It is understood that the walling was built in twentieth-century and is associated with Bandon Mill, which was located immediately upstream from this feature. This feature does not appear on any earlier mapping of the area and is not associated with the complex of features surrounding a river island, as shown on the 1620s map of Bandon.
Proposed Impact No impact from the proposed works is anticipated at the location of river walling feature F003.
Recommendations No further archaeological mitigation measures are anticipated at this location.
Feature 004 Name Bandon Bridge Site Type Bridge Townland Bandon (Coolfadda/Gully) RMP CO110-019009- RPS 00952 NGR 149268E, 55048N — 149266E, 55089N Dimensions 40m length x 14m max. width Figure(s) 5,12,14,16,17 Plate(s) 21-29, 77-79 Cartography OS 6” 1st, 2nd, & 3rd Edition maps & the OS 25” Town Map River Topography 80-83 Plate(s) Nature of Impact(s) Direct - Negative - Profound Description of Underpinning of Bandon Bridge and dredging of riverbed Impact(s) surrounding the bridge structure
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‘The plot of the towne of Bandonbridge for lo Carew’, c.1620, based on the original in Trinity College Dublin, TCD MS1209, showing the integral nature of the weir and the old town. Downloaded from the website www.paulturner.ca where the original map has been annotated.
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View of Bandon Bridge dated 1775, downloaded from www.paulturner.ca
Photograph of Bandon Bridge in nineteenth century, from North, looking at the main bridge (Feature 004) from downstream, over to the footbridge (Feature 005). Source: National Library of Ireland, L_CAB_08849
Description There is mention of a bridge built at Bandon in 1594 and also 1600.5 As depicted on a map of the town in 1620, a three-arched bridge is shown lying on the east side of the walled town, serving an integral function of uniting both sides of the settlement. The extent of the town’s defences are indicated reaching downstream of the bridge, highlighting the potential for works in the river to unearth elements of the former defences. The bridge in Bandon was destroyed by a flood in 1659 and again in 1765. A drawing of 1775 shows quite a different bridge construction. Most strikingly the
5 O’Flanagan, Bandon, p. 13; Peter O’Keeffe & Tom Simignton, Irish Stone Bridges, History and Heritage, (Irish Academic Press, Dublin, 1991), p. 32.
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bridge is drawn with five arches, which are rounded in the manner of those that support the standing bridge today, with the central arch being larger and higher than its flanking pairs. The 1775 drawing describes a pronounced hump-back profile above the parapets, which is not the case today.
The standing bridge (F004-002, Figure 5, Plates 21-24) retains cut limestone voussoirs which are alternately rusticated. Pointed break waters occur on both the upstream (west) and the downstream sides, while the arches spring over breakwaters on the east side. The western parapet retains a record of construction in 1778, while the eastern parapet records an enlargement date of 1838.6 The segmental arch-rings comprise twenty-nine neatly dressed arch-stones. Every second arch-stone has been decorated with a floral pattern that is now heavily eroded and hard to distinguish. The downstream side of the bridge is linear in form; while the upstream side is skewed eastwards at both ends, the northern and southernmost arches tapering westtwards (Plates 23, 25).
Two of the bridge piers have been partially built on exposed bedrock on the downstream side of the structure. A fifth pier structure is positioned on the south side of the southernmost archway, partially protruding from the arch-wall (F004-01, Figure 5, Plate 26). The pier is constructed of rough-cut limestone slabs and is not aligned with the other pier structures of the bridge, indicating that the pier may from part of an earlier construction phase. The limestone slabs measure on average 69cm long, 45cm wide and 18cm deep.
A series of timber piles was observed at the base of each pier (Plates 27, 77, 79). A total of eighty-one piles are located at the base of the southern arch-wall of the south- most archway. The majority of the piles measure 12cm in diameter, while some larger piles were encountered with a diameter of 20cm. Fifteen piles are located at the base of the opposing arch-wall and measure a uniform 15cm in diameter. An area of neatly-cut limestone protrudes 93cm from the arch-wall at this location (F004-03, Figure 5, Plate 28, 78). It is likely that the limestone represents the residue of bridge paving that once extended between the piers, covering the riverbed beneath the archway.
6 Detail as recorded in the Sites and Monuments Record file for the bridge, maintained at the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, and published in Denis Power (ed.), Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 1: West Cork (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1992).
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Evidence of recent river maintenance works was apparent within the riverbed surrounding Bandon Bridge.7 Machine-assisted maintenance work had removed the overlying cobbles/ pebbles in places, and had exposed the fine-medium silty-sand located beneath (Plate 76). The archaeological potential of this recently exposed sub- stratum was highlighted by the recovery of two fragments of medieval pottery during the underwater survey conducted for the present scheme (Plates 98-99, Figure 5). In addition, a large number of ceramic fragments of nineteenth- and twentieth-century date were observed across the riverbed either side of Bandon Bridge (Plate 100).
One may conclude that the riverbed surrounding Bandon Bridge is of very high archaeological potential. There is a narrative for bridge redesign that is recorded in the standing remains and which indicates the possibility that elements of the pre- eighteenth-century structure remain intact on the south side of the bridge; the presence of starling piles around the piers indicates the possibility that submerged foundation levels remain intact; while recent routine maintenance work exposed sealed sedimentary layers in the riverbed that retain artefacts from the medieval period.
Proposed Impacts The exact engineering details relating to the nature of any proposed impacts at Bandon Bridge are currently not known. However, it is anticipated that substantial riverbed dredging works are to take place immediately upstream and downstream of the bridge structure. The riverbed is to be dredged to a depth of 1.8m to achieve the design depth of 9.5mOD. In addition, it is understood that underpinning of the bridge structure will be required. These works constitute a direct, negative and profound impact to the riverbed and its archaeological potential surrounding Bandon Bridge and any submerged elements relating to the structure. It can be anticipated that significant archaeological mitigation will be required in advance of and during construction works to fully record the associated archaeological evidence.
Recommendations It is recommended that a series of pre-dredge archaeological mitigation measures is undertaken sufficiently in advance of the construction phase commencing to ensure a proper archaeological record is achieved for works at Bandon Bridge. The measures should involve:
7 It is understood that a machine excavator was used to remove debris that had built up at the bridge site. The work was undertaken by Cork County Council in 2011 and was monitored by an on-site archaeologist.
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1. Detailed archaeological survey of the bridge and the riverbed below and upstream and downstream of the bridge. This will provide a robust and necessary record of the immediate context for the works associated with the bridge site. The detailed archaeological survey would presented a sequence of measured drawings of the bridge and the riverbed that will inform the more detailed flood relief design impact measures in this location. 2. A programme of archaeological test trenching of the riverbed is recommended to ascertain more fully the depth of the archaeological deposit in advance of the proposed dredging project. The work will inform the more detailed flood relief design impact measures in this location. Note: Further archaeological requirements may arise on foot of the results of the above mitigations. 3. Archaeological monitoring is recommended during the construction phase, to record the nature and extent of any features and objects observed in the course of the dredging and underpinning works proposed in this location.
Feature 005 Name None Site Type Bridge Townland Bandon (Gully) RMP None RPS None NGR 149288E, 55031N Dimensions 10m length Figure(s) 5,12,16,17 Plate(s) 30-31 Cartography OS 25” Town Map (1904) River Topography 32 Plate(s) Nature of Impact(s) None predicted Description of No impact at this location Impact(s)
Description As depicted on the Ordnance Survey 25” town map of 1904 (Figure 16), and as shown in a contemporary photograph (see Feature 004), a small stone bridge structure was built at right angles to Bandon Bridge on its south side (Feature 005). The bridge spanned a small tributary stream that flows through Bandon, running adjacent to New Road, to its confluence with the River Bandon at St. Finbarr Place. Today the bridge is concealed from view beneath a large mass-concrete culvert (Plate 30). Internal inspection of the culvert revealed the nineteenth-century, single- arched bridge structure sandwiched between two sides of the culvert (Plate 31). A concrete wall delineates the southern side of the river today and forms part of a riverside walkway that extends for a distance of c.300m from the culvert (Plate 32).
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Proposed Impacts No impact from the proposed works is anticipated at the location of Bridge Feature F005.
Recommendations No further archaeological mitigation measures are anticipated at this location.
Feature 006 Name None Site Type River revetment wall Townland Bandon (Rosebank) RMP None RPS None NGR 149449E, 55137N - 149507E, 55144N Dimensions c.59m length Figure(s) 5, 12,17 Plate(s) 33 Cartography ---- River Topography 84-85 Plate(s) Nature of Impact(s) Direct - Negative - Significant Description of Insertion of flood defence walls Impact(s)
Description Feature 006 represents a linear bank consolidation measure running along the northern side of the river, located 180m downstream of Bandon Bridge. The revetment extends for a distance of c.59m and is only visible in a few places. The majority of the structure is obscured by thick overhanging vegetation. The bank has been revetted with the addition of limestone walling constructed of un-bonded rectangular slabs that are set vertically on edge (Plate 33); a building style that is prevalent within County Cork throughout the 1900s. Feature 006 is thought to date from the early to mid twentieth-century.
Proposed Impacts A flood defense wall is to be inserted along the north side of the river running from the downstream side of Bandon Bridge to a point 450m downstream (NGR 149271E, 55089N to NGR 149777E, 55157N). It is understood that this structure will measure 1.1m in height. The insertion of this structure will constitute a direct impact to the existing bank structure and any features identified along its extent, including the river revetment wall (F006). The level of flood relief impacts is considered to be Direct, Negative, and Significant.
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Recommendations 1. The opportunity should be taken to record the revetment wall as the flood relief works will result in the wall being removed. 2. Archaeological monitoring is recommended during the construction phase, to record the nature and extent of any features or objects observed in the course of the flood relief works proposed in this location.
Feature 007 Name None Site Type River revetment wall Townland Bandon (Rosebank) RMP None RPS None NGR 149449E, 55137N - 149507E, 55144N Dimensions c.55m length Figure(s) 5,12,17 Plate(s) 34 Cartography ---- River Topography 35, 85-86 Plate(s) Nature of Impact(s) Direct - Negative - Significant Description of Insertion of flood defense walls Impact(s)
Description Feature 007 represents a stone revetment bank consolidation measure that is similar to Feature 006 and is located c.40m further downstream. Feature 007 extends for a distance of c.55m and is only visible for inspection in a few places. The feature is constructed of rectangular slabs of un-bonded limestone that have been placed horizontally to form the wall structure (Plate 34). Feature 007 is thought to date from the early to mid twentieth-century. The south side of the river, opposite this feature, is represented by modern rock amour (Plate 35).
Proposed Impacts A flood defense wall is to be inserted along the north side of the river running from the downstream side of Bandon Bridge to a point 450m downstream (NGR 149271E, 55089N to NGR 149777E, 55157N). It is understood that this structure will measure 1.1m in height. The insertion of this structure will constitute a direct impact to the existing bank structure and any features identified along its extent, including the river revetment wall (F007). The level of flood relief impacts is considered to be Direct, Negative, and Significant.
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Recommendations 1. The opportunity should be taken to record the revetment wall as the flood relief works will result in the wall being removed. 2. Archaeological monitoring is recommended during the construction phase, to record the nature and extent of any features or objects observed in the course of the flood relief works proposed in this location.
Feature 008 Name None Site Type Bridge abutment Townland Bandon (adjacent to Bandon Woollen Mill) RMP None RPS None NGR 149792E, 55132N Dimensions c.6m length Figure(s) 6,13,17 Plate(s) 36-37, 88-89, 91 Cartography OS 25” Town Map (1904) River Topography 87,90,92-94 Plate(s) Nature of Impact(s) Direct - Negative - Significant Description of Insertion of flood defense walls, and Riverbed dredging Impact(s) works
Description Feature 008 is a bridge abutment located on the south bank of the river. The structure is aligned northwest - southeast and comprises eight courses of neatly finished limestone masonry (Plates 36-37). The structure measures approximately 6m in length and 1.4m in height. In addition, the underwater inspection identified a series of three large, timber piles (oak) that are square in profile protruding from the riverbed at this location (Figure 6). It is likely that these piles are associated with the bridge abutment located on the southern bank (Plates 88-89). A number of red bricks were also encountered, scattered widely across the riverbed at this location (Plate 91).
Proposed Impacts A c.600m section of flood embankment is to be inserted along the southern side of the river, running between NGR: 149719E, 55122N and NGR: 150235E, 55386N. It is understood that this structure will measure 1.8m in height. It is also understood that the placement of the flood embankment will not impact on the bridge abutment (F008) located on the southern bank of the river at NGR: 149792E, 55132N. However, should any direct impact become necessary, as part of the flood protection works, further archaeological recording of the site may be required. The level of flood relief impacts is considered to be Direct, Negative, and Significant.
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In contrast, a direct impact to the riverbed adjacent to F008 will take place with the proposed removal of 1.8m of riverbed material as part of the river dredging works. This will impact directly on any submerged features associated with the bridge that once crossed the river at this location. The level of flood relief impacts is considered to be Direct, Negative, and Significant.
Recommendations 1. The opportunity should be taken to record the revetment wall as the flood relief works will result in the wall being removed. 2. Archaeological monitoring is recommended during the construction phase, to record the nature and extent of any features or objects observed in the course of the flood relief works proposed in this location.
Feature 009 Name None Site Type River revetment wall Townland Knockbrogan RMP None RPS None NGR 149893E, 55232N - 150069E, 55327N Dimensions c.200m length Figure(s) 6,13,16,17 Plate(s) 39-41 Cartography ---- River Topography 38,42, 43, 95-97 Plate(s) Nature of Impact(s) None predicted Description of No impact at this location Impact(s)
Description Feature 009 forms a section of river walling that extends along the northern side of the river for a distance of approximately 200m. It is located 60m downstream of Feature 008. In comparison to features F006 and F008, the structure is in a poor state of preservation with frequent collapse material visible within the adjacent riverbed. The structure measures between 30cm and 60cm in height and is constructed of randomly coursed un-bonded limestone blocks (Plates 39-41). A modern, poured mass-concrete structure is inset into the southern bank at NGR 150114E, 55312N, approximately 20m downstream of F009 (Plate 42). The OS 25” town map of 1904 records a Suspension Bridge (Foot)’ at this location, however, no visible remains of this structure was encountered as part of the on-site inspection (Figure 16).
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Proposed Impacts No flood protection measures are to be inserted along the north side of the river at this location. As a result, no impacts to the river revetment wall (F009) are anticipated.
Recommendations No further archaeological mitigation measures are anticipated at this location.
Feature 010 Name None Site Type Pier/ jetty Townland Ballylangley RMP None RPS None NGR 150317E, 55482N Dimensions c.9m length Figure(s) 6,13,17 Plate(s) 45-46 Cartography ---- River Topography 44,48-50,95-97 Plate(s) Nature of Impact(s) Direct - Negative - Significant Description of Insertion of flood defense walls/ Riverbed dredging works Impact(s)
Description Feature 010 is located on the south side of the river and is a stone-built feature that extends from the riverbank in a north-northwest direction for a distance of 9m (Plates 45-46). The first 1.2m of the structure (bankside) remains intact, while the remainder consists of foundation stones with overlying masonry collapse. The feature is constructed of seven (visible) courses of neatly-cut limestone that are bonded with a coarse-grained lime mortar. The structure remains upstanding in part, to a maximum height of 2m. It is thought to be of eighteenth-century date and once formed a pier/ jetty that reached into the river to facilitate access to fishing cots or similar river craft.
Proposed Impacts A 1.1m high flood defence wall is to be inserted along the south side of the river at this location, immediately south of jetty/pier structure F010. This will result in a direct impact on the south terminus and east side of the pier structure. In addition, the proposed dredging works will have a direct impact on the foundation stones/ overlying masonry collapse that extend into the river to form the northern end of the structure. It is anticipated that much of this structure will be either be removed by the proposed dredging activity or buried by the associated flood defense wall.
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Recommendations 1. The opportunity should be taken to record the revetment wall as the flood relief works will result in the wall being removed. 2. Archaeological monitoring is recommended during the construction phase, to record the nature and extent of any features or objects observed in the course of the flood relief works proposed in this location.
Feature 011 Name None Site Type Fish weir (possible) Townland Knockbrogan/ Ballylangley RMP None RPS None NGR 150339E, 55559N — 150304E, 55563N Dimensions 39m length Figure(s) 7,13,17 Plate(s) 47 Cartography ---- River Topography 51-56 Plate(s) Nature of Impact(s) Direct - Negative - Slight Description of Riverbed dredging works Impact(s)
Description Feature 011 comprises a series of sub-rounded boulders that from a linear feature within the river, running between the riverbanks in an east-west direction (Plate 47). This riverine feature does not appear to be a natural formation and may have once formed part of a rudimentary fish weir; a common feature of the nineteenth-century river landscape.
Proposed Impacts The riverbed at the location of Feature F011 will be subject to dredging activity. This will result in a permanent direct impact on the feature.
Recommendations 1. Archaeological monitoring is recommended during the construction phase, to record the nature and extent of any features or objects observed in the course of the flood relief works proposed in this location.
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Feature 012 Name None Site Type Railway Revetment Townland Ballylangley RMP None RPS None NGR 150911E, 56144N - 151008E, 56165N Dimensions 100m length Figure(s) 8,13,16,18 Plate(s) 57-59 Cartography OS 25” Town Map (1904) River Topography 62-63 Plate(s) Nature of Impact(s) None predicted Description of No impact at this location Impact(s)
Description Feature 012 comprises a substantial masonry wall running along the south side of the waterway at the apex of a river meander (Plates 57-59). It is constructed of well- bonded and neatly-cut/ faced limestone blocks of uniform height within each masonry course (Plate 57). The structure measures approximately 4m high and 100m long. It is associated with the nineteenth-century railway line (Cork Bandon South Coast Railway) that once ran along the south side of the River Bandon (Figure 16). The revetment structure was clearly placed to prevent river erosion at the meander from undermining the railway line at this location.
Proposed Impacts No flood protection measures are to be inserted along the southern side of the river at this location. As a result, no impacts are anticipated to the railway revetment wall (F012).
Recommendations No further archaeological mitigation measures are anticipated at this location.
Feature 013 Name None Site Type Platform (fishing) Townland Ballylangley RMP None RPS None NGR 151011E, 56176N Dimensions 3m length Figure(s) 8,13,18 Plate(s) 60-61 Cartography ---- River Topography 62-63
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Plate(s) Nature of Impact(s) None predicted Description of No impact at this location Impact(s)
Description This feature is located 10m downstream from F012 and is thought to be a fishing platform of probable twentieth-century date. It is constructed of un-bounded slabs of rough-cut limestone masonry (Plates 60-61). The feature is visible extending approximately 2m from the riverbank.
Proposed Impacts No flood protection measures are to be inserted along the southern side of the river at this location. No impacts are anticipated to Feature F013.
Recommendations No further archaeological mitigation measures are anticipated at this location.
Feature 014 Name None Site Type Wall (part of bridge) Townland Kilbeg South RMP None RPS None NGR 151630E, 56937N Dimensions 4.5m length Figure(s) 10,13,16,18 Plate(s) 65-67 Cartography OS Third Edition (1841) and OS 25” (1904) maps River Topography 64-65 Plate(s) Nature of Impact(s) None predicted Description of No impact at this location Impact(s)
Description Feature 014 is located on the north side of the river and forms part of a modern (twentieth-century) bridge structure providing access to a private driveway for a nineteenth-century house nestled within woodland located (Plate 65). F014 comprises of a neatly finished masonry wall into which a modern bridge has been retro-fitted at its north end (Plate 66-67). A river crossing point is depicted on the OS 25” (1904) map at this location and pre-dates the existing structure (Figure 16). It is likely that F014 once formed part of this earlier structure, a structure that was contemporary with the construction of the associated estate house.
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Proposed Impacts No flood protection measures are to be inserted along the northern side of the river at this location. As a result, no impacts are anticipated to Feature F014.
Recommendations No further archaeological mitigation measures are anticipated at this location.
Feature 015 Name None Site Type River walling Townland Kilbeg South RMP None RPS None NGR 151693E, 57016N - 151884E, 57154N Dimensions 235m length Figure(s) 10,13,18 Plate(s) 68 Cartography ---- River Topography 69 Plate(s) Nature of Impact(s) None predicted Description of No impact at this location Impact(s)
Description Feature 015 comprises of a section of river walling measuring 235m in length that delineates the north side of the river as it flows past a section of woodland belonging to a nineteenth-century estate property (Plates 68-69). This feature appears to be relatively modern and is likely to form part of estate maintenance works undertaken some time in the early to mid-1900s.
Proposed Impacts No flood protection measures are to be inserted along the northern side of the river at this location. As a result, no impacts are anticipated to Feature F015.
Recommendations No further archaeological mitigation measures are anticipated at this location.
Feature 016 Name None Site Type Fording point (poss.) Townland Kilbeg South RMP None RPS None NGR 151952E, 57184N Dimensions ----
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Figure(s) 10,13,15,18 Plate(s) 70 Cartography OS Third Edition (1841) and OS 25” (1904) maps River Topography 71 Plate(s) Nature of Impact(s) None predicted Description of No impact at this location Impact(s)
Description Feature 016 represents the possible location of a fording point as depicted on the OS First Edition (1841) mapping (Plate 70, Figure 15). At this location the river becomes extremely shallow and outcrops of bedrock are visible on either side of the riverbank (Plate 71). A small naturally formed island is also located on the northern side of the river where sediment deposition is taking place.
Proposed Impacts No flood protection measures are to be inserted along either side of the river at this location. In addition, no riverbed dredging is to take place along this section of Bandon River; the proposed dredging terminating 400m upstream of F016. As such, no impacts are anticipated to Feature F016.
Recommendations No further archaeological mitigation measures are anticipated at this location.
Feature 017 Name None Site Type Weir (Eel) Townland Kilbeg South RMP None RPS None NGR 152027E, 57330N — 152082E, 57458N Dimensions c.150m length Figure(s) 10,13,15 Plate(s) 72-73 Cartography OS Third Edition (1841) and OS 25” (1904) maps River Topography 74 Plate(s) Nature of Impact(s) None predicted Description of No impact at this location Impact(s)
Description Feature 017 forms part of an eel weir as depicted on the OS 1841 map (Figure 15). The feature forms a linear structure running north-northeast to south-southwest along the centre of the waterway (Plate 72-73). It is heavily overgrown with low-lying vegetation and small trees that obscure any detailed inspection of the structure’s
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fabric. The feature represents a substantial construction, measuring 150m long and 2m wide, and most likely formed part of the extractive resources of the adjacent nineteenth-century estate.
Proposed Impacts As identified for Feature F016, no flood protection measures are to be inserted along either side of the river at this location. In addition, no riverbed dredging is to take place along this stretch of the waterway; the proposed dredging is to terminate 550m upstream of F017. As such, no impacts are anticipated to this feature.
Recommendations No further archaeological mitigation measures are anticipated at this location.
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9.0 BIBLIOGRAPHY
O’Flanagan, Patrick, Bandon Irish Historic Towns Atlas No. 3 (Royal Irish Academy, Dublin 1988).
O’Keeffe, Peter & Simington, Tom, Irish Stone Bridges, History and Heritage (Irish Academic Press, Dublin, 1991).
Power, Denis (ed.), Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 1: West Cork (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1992).
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Plate 1: North-facing view of top of weir structure (F001) located at the start point of the River Survey Area, fish pass in foreground (1m scale). See Figure 5 for plate location.
Plate 2: East-facing view of River Bandon taken from weir structure (F001) located at the start point of the River Survey Area. See Figure 5 for plate location.
ADCO Plates 11D0036 11R0128 Bandon River Flood Relief Scheme Archaeological Inspection Bandon to Curranure, Co. Cork
Plate 3: West-facing view of weir structure (F001) located at start point of River Survey Area, note: exposed limestone bedrock in foreground (1m scale). See Figure 5 for plate location.
Plate 4: North-facing view of section of river walling (F003) located on the north side of the Bandon River (1m scale). See Figure 5 for plate location.
ADCO Plates 11D0036 11R0128 Bandon River Flood Relief Scheme Archaeological Inspection Bandon to Curranure, Co. Cork
Plate 5: West-facing view of western limit of River Survey Area, weir structure (F001) and water powered electricity generator in background. See Figure 5 for plate location.
Plate 6: East-facing view of section of concrete built upon exposed bedrock within centre of river, pedestrian footbridge in distance (1m scale). See Figure 5 for plate location.
ADCO Plates 11D0036 11R0128 Bandon River Flood Relief Scheme Archaeological Inspection Bandon to Curranure, Co. Cork
Plate 7: Southwest-facing view of western half of quayside structure F002, located on the southern side of the river. See Figure 5 for plate location.
Plate 8: Detail shot of masonry archway inset into quayside structure F002 located along the southern side of River Bandon (1m scale). See Figure 5 for location.
ADCO Plates 11D0036 11R0128 Bandon River Flood Relief Scheme Archaeological Inspection Bandon to Curranure, Co. Cork
Plate 9: Detail shot of masonry archway inset into quayside structure F002 located along the southern side of River Bandon (1m scale). See Figure 5 for location.
Plate 10: Detail shot of masonry archway inset into quayside structure F002 located along the southern side of River Bandon (1m scale). See Figure 5 for location.
ADCO Plates 11D0036 11R0128 Bandon River Flood Relief Scheme Archaeological Inspection Bandon to Curranure, Co. Cork
Plate 11: View of masonry access steps built into quayside structure F002 located along the southern side of River Bandon (1m scale). See Figure 5 for plate location.
Plate 12: Detail shot of masonry archway inset into quayside structure F002 located along the southern side of River Bandon (1m scale). See Figure 5 for location.
ADCO Plates 11D0036 11R0128 Bandon River Flood Relief Scheme Archaeological Inspection Bandon to Curranure, Co. Cork
Plate 13: Detail shot of masonry archway inset into quayside structure F002 located along the southern side of River Bandon (1m scale). See Figure 5 for location.
Plate 14: Detail shot of masonry archway inset into quayside structure F002 located along the southern side of River Bandon (1m scale). See Figure 5 for location.
ADCO Plates 11D0036 11R0128 Bandon River Flood Relief Scheme Archaeological Inspection Bandon to Curranure, Co. Cork
Plate 15: View of masonry access steps built into quayside structure F002 located along the southern side of River Bandon (1m scale). See Figure 5 for plate location.
Plate 16: Detail shot of masonry archway inset into quayside structure F002 located along the southern side of River Bandon (1m scale). See Figure 5 for location.
ADCO Plates 11D0036 11R0128 Bandon River Flood Relief Scheme Archaeological Inspection Bandon to Curranure, Co. Cork
Plate 17: Detail shot of masonry archway inset into quayside structure F002 located along the southern side of River Bandon (1m scale). See Figure 5 for location.
Plate 18: View of overgrown masonry access steps built into quayside structure F002 located along the southern side of River Bandon (1m scale). See Figure 5 for plate location.
ADCO Plates 11D0036 11R0128 Bandon River Flood Relief Scheme Archaeological Inspection Bandon to Curranure, Co. Cork
Plate 19: Southeast-facing view of eastern half of quayside structure F002, located on the southern side of the river. See Figure 5 for plate location.
Plate 20: Northeast-facing view of rock amour placed along the northern side of the river running between footbridge and Bandon Bridge. Note: partially demolished nineteenth-century waterfront building in background. See Figure 5 for plate location.
ADCO Plates 11D0036 11R0128 Bandon River Flood Relief Scheme Archaeological Inspection Bandon to Curranure, Co. Cork
Plate 21: West-facing view of upstream Bandon Bridge (F004). See Figure 5 for plate location.
Plate 22: Northwest-facing view of upstream side of Bandon Bridge (F004). See Figure 5 for plate location.
ADCO Plates 11D0036 11R0128 Bandon River Flood Relief Scheme Archaeological Inspection Bandon to Curranure, Co. Cork
Plate 23: West-facing view southernmost arch of Bandon Bridge (1m scale). See Figure 5 for plate location.
Plate 24: Northwest-facing view of downstream side of Bandon Bridge, F004 (1m scale). See Figure 5 for plate location.
ADCO Plates 11D0036 11R0128 Bandon River Flood Relief Scheme Archaeological Inspection Bandon to Curranure, Co. Cork
Plate 25: North-facing view of downstream side of Bandon Bridge (F004) taken from discharge point of adjacent culvert. See Figure 5 for plate location.
Plate 26: West-facing view of section pier structure (F004:01) protruding from southern wall of archway of Bandon Bridge (1m scale). Note: series of timber piles located along pier/ wall base. See Figure 5 for plate location.
ADCO Plates 11D0036 11R0128 Bandon River Flood Relief Scheme Archaeological Inspection Bandon to Curranure, Co. Cork
Plate 27: Detail shot of timber piles located along the base of southernmost arch of Bandon Bridge (14cm scale). See Figure 5 for plate location.
Plate 28: Detail shot of masonry paving protruding from base of pier (F004:03) located on north side of southernmost arch of Bandon Bridge (1m scale). See Figure 5 for plate
ADCO Plates 11D0036 11R0128 Bandon River Flood Relief Scheme Archaeological Inspection Bandon to Curranure, Co. Cork
location.
Plate 29: Shot of section masonry pier (F004:02) protruding from the upstream side of Bandon Bridge (1m scale). See Figure 5 for plate location.
Plate 30: South-facing view of culvert located immediately downstream of Bandon Bridge (F004). See Figure 5 for plate location.
ADCO Plates 11D0036 11R0128 Bandon River Flood Relief Scheme Archaeological Inspection Bandon to Curranure, Co. Cork
Plate 31: Southeast-facing view of masonry bridge (F005) located within culvert located downstream of Bandon Bridge. See Figure 5 for plate location.
Plate 32: West-facing view of river Bandon showing concrete wall running along the south side of the waterway (1m scale). See Figure 5 for plate location.
ADCO Plates 11D0036 11R0128 Bandon River Flood Relief Scheme Archaeological Inspection Bandon to Curranure, Co. Cork
Plate 33: Detail shot of limestone revetment wall (F006) located along the north side of the River Bandon, 180m downstream from Bandon Bridge (1m scale). See Figure 5 for plate location.
Plate 34: Detail shot of limestone revetment wall (F007) located along the north side of the River Bandon, 287m downstream from Bandon Bridge (1m scale).
ADCO Plates 11D0036 11R0128 Bandon River Flood Relief Scheme Archaeological Inspection Bandon to Curranure, Co. Cork
See Figure 5 for plate location.
Plate 35: Southeast-facing view of rock amour wall placed along the southern side of Bandon River to facilitate a riverside walk (1m scale). See Figure 5 for plate location.
Plate 36: East-facing view of western end of bridge abutment (F008) located on the southern riverbank (1m scale). See Figure 6 for Plate location.
ADCO Plates 11D0036 11R0128 Bandon River Flood Relief Scheme Archaeological Inspection Bandon to Curranure, Co. Cork
Plate 37: Northwest-facing view of bridge abutment (F008) located on the southern riverbank (1m scale). See Figure 6 for Plate location.
Plate 38: South-facing exemplar view of river taken at NGR: 149879E, 55212N. See Figure 6 for Plate location.
ADCO Plates 11D0036 11R0128 Bandon River Flood Relief Scheme Archaeological Inspection Bandon to Curranure, Co. Cork
Plate 39: First detail shot of revetment wall (F009) located along the north side of the River Bandon, 639m downstream from Bandon Bridge (1m scale). See Figure 6 for plate location.
Plate 40: Second detail shot of limestone revetment wall (F009) located along the north side of the River Bandon, 639m downstream from Bandon Bridge (1m scale). See Figure 6 for plate location.
ADCO Plates 11D0036 11R0128 Bandon River Flood Relief Scheme Archaeological Inspection Bandon to Curranure, Co. Cork
Plate 41: Third detail shot of limestone revetment wall (F009) located along the north side of the River Bandon, 639m downstream from Bandon Bridge (1m scale). See Figure 6 for plate location.
Plate 42: South-facing view of poured mass concrete structure inset into the southern bank at NGR: 150114E, 55312N (1m scales). See Figure 6 for plate location.
ADCO Plates 11D0036 11R0128 Bandon River Flood Relief Scheme Archaeological Inspection Bandon to Curranure, Co. Cork
Plate 43: West-facing view of Bandon River taken at NGR: 150119E, 55337N. See Figure 6 for plate location.
Plate 44: West-facing view of Bandon River taken at NGR: 1502629E, 55425N. See Figure 6 for plate location.
ADCO Plates 11D0036 11R0128 Bandon River Flood Relief Scheme Archaeological Inspection Bandon to Curranure, Co. Cork
Plate 45: North-east-facing detail shot of section of masonry from possible pier structure protruding from the riverbank at NGR: 150317E, 55481N (1m scale). See Figure 6 for plate location.
Plate 46: East-facing view of section of collapsed masonry from possible pier structure protruding from the riverbank at NGR: 150317E, 55481N (1m scale). See Figure 6 for plate location.
ADCO Plates 11D0036 11R0128 Bandon River Flood Relief Scheme Archaeological Inspection Bandon to Curranure, Co. Cork
Plate 47: West-facing view of river at possible location of rudimentary structure; possible fish weir (F010). See Figure 7 for plate location.
Plate 48: Detail shot of section of exposed riverbank, NGR: 150346E, 55632N, showing the stratigraphic layers that form the structure at this location (1m scale). See Figure 7 for plate location.
ADCO Plates 11D0036 11R0128 Bandon River Flood Relief Scheme Archaeological Inspection Bandon to Curranure, Co. Cork
Plate 49: Southwest-facing view of Bandon River taken at NGR: 150335E, 55639N. See Figure 7 for plate location.
Plate 50: Northeast-facing view of Bandon River taken at NGR: 150338E, 55642N. See Figure 8 for plate location.
ADCO Plates 11D0036 11R0128 Bandon River Flood Relief Scheme Archaeological Inspection Bandon to Curranure, Co. Cork
Plate 51: South-southwest facing view of Bandon River taken at NGR: 150527E, 55954N. See Figure 8 for plate location.
Plate 52: North-northeast facing view of Bandon River taken at NGR: 150529E, 55958N. See Figure 8 for plate location.
ADCO Plates 11D0036 11R0128 Bandon River Flood Relief Scheme Archaeological Inspection Bandon to Curranure, Co. Cork
Plate 53: Detail shot of section of exposed riverbank, NGR: 150726E, 56151N, showing the stratigraphic layers that form the structure at this location (1m scale). See Figure 8 for plate location. Note: Sand Martin burrows located along this stretch of riverbank.
Plate 54: Detail shot of section of exposed riverbank, NGR: 150786E, 56181N, showing the stratigraphic layers that form the structure at this location (1m scale). See Figure 8 for plate location. Note: Sand Martin burrows located along this stretch of riverbank.
ADCO Plates 11D0036 11R0128 Bandon River Flood Relief Scheme Archaeological Inspection Bandon to Curranure, Co. Cork
Plate 55: East-facing view of Bandon River taken at NGR: 150792E, 56170N. See Figure 8 for plate location.
Plate 56: West-facing view of Bandon River taken at NGR: 150797E, 56171N. See Figure 8 for plate location.
ADCO Plates 11D0036 11R0128 Bandon River Flood Relief Scheme Archaeological Inspection Bandon to Curranure, Co. Cork
Plate 57: South-facing view of section of masonry wall that forms Feature F012; running along the southern side of the river between NGR: 150911E, 56144N and NGR: 151008E, 56165N (1m scale). See Figure 8 for plate location.
Plate 58: Southwest-facing view of the masonry wall (heavily overgrown), F012, that runs along the southern side of the river. See Figure 8 for plate location.
ADCO Plates 11D0036 11R0128 Bandon River Flood Relief Scheme Archaeological Inspection Bandon to Curranure, Co. Cork
Plate 59: West-facing view of topmost part of eastern terminus of the masonry wall (heavily overgrown), F012, that runs along the southern side of the river. See Figure 8 for plate location.
Plate60: East-facing view of section of masonry (F013) that protrudes from the southern riverbank, 10m downstream from F012. See Figure 8 for plate location.
ADCO Plates 11D0036 11R0128 Bandon River Flood Relief Scheme Archaeological Inspection Bandon to Curranure, Co. Cork
Plate61: East-facing detail shot of section of masonry (F013) that protrudes from the southern riverbank at NGR: 151011E, 56176N. See Figure 8 for plate location.
Plate 62: Northeast-facing view of Bandon River taken at NGR: 151100E, 56400N. See Figure 9 for plate location.
ADCO Plates 11D0036 11R0128 Bandon River Flood Relief Scheme Archaeological Inspection Bandon to Curranure, Co. Cork
Plate 63: Northeast-facing view of Bandon River taken at NGR: 151362E, 56499N. See Figure 9 for plate location.
Plate 64: Northeast-facing view of Bandon River taken at NGR: 151503E, 56663N. See Figure 9 for plate location.
ADCO Plates 11D0036 11R0128 Bandon River Flood Relief Scheme Archaeological Inspection Bandon to Curranure, Co. Cork
Plate 65: Northwest-facing view of Bandon River taken at NGR: 151621E, 56899N; access bridge in background. See Figure 10 for plate location.
Plate 66: Northwest-facing view of section of masonry wall (F014) incorporated into the modern access bridge crossing the river at NGR: 151629E, 56936N. See Figure10 for plate location.
ADCO Plates 11D0036 11R0128 Bandon River Flood Relief Scheme Archaeological Inspection Bandon to Curranure, Co. Cork
Plate 67: Northeast-facing view of section of masonry wall (F014) incorporated into the modern access bridge crossing the river at NGR: 151629E, 56936N. See Figure 10 for plate location.
Plate 68: Northeast-facing view of section of river walling (F015) running along the northern bank between NGR: 151693E, 57016N and NGR: 151884E, 57154N. See Figure 10 for plate location.
ADCO Plates 11D0036 11R0128 Bandon River Flood Relief Scheme Archaeological Inspection Bandon to Curranure, Co. Cork
Plate 69: Southeast-facing view of Bandon River taken at NGR: 151793E, 57079N. See Figure 10 for plate location.
Plate 70: Northwest-facing view of the location of possible fording point across the river at NGR: 151952E, 57183N. See Figure 11 for plate location.
ADCO Plates 11D0036 11R0128 Bandon River Flood Relief Scheme Archaeological Inspection Bandon to Curranure, Co. Cork
Plate 71: Northwest-facing view of Bandon River taken at NGR: 151966E, 57183N. See Figure 11 for plate location.
Plate 72: South-facing view of the southern half of linear structure located within central channel of the river, Feature F017- Eel Weir (1m scale). See Figure 11 for plate location.
ADCO Plates 11D0036 11R0128 Bandon River Flood Relief Scheme Archaeological Inspection Bandon to Curranure, Co. Cork
Plate 73: South-facing view of the northern terminus of linear structure located within central channel of the river, Feature F017- Eel Weir (1m scale). See Figure 11 for plate location.
Plate 74: North-facing view of Bandon River taken at NGR: 152171E, 57567N. See Figure 11 for plate location.
ADCO Plates 11D0036 11R0128 Bandon River Flood Relief Scheme Archaeological Inspection Bandon to Curranure, Co. Cork
Plate 75: Example shot of riverbed at NGR: 149194E, 55042N, c.70m upstream of Bandon Bridge. See Figure 12 for plate location.
Plate 76: Underwater shot of recently exposed riverbed at NGR: 149260E, 55052N, located beneath Bandon Bridge (14cm scale). See Figure 12 for plate location.
ADCO Plates 11D0036 11R0128 Bandon River Flood Relief Scheme Archaeological Inspection Bandon to Curranure, Co. Cork
Plate 77: Example shot of two timber piles located at the eastern end of Feature F004:01 (14cm scale) See Figure 12 for plate location.
Plate 78: North-facing shot showing a series masonry blocks, in section, that form part of potential paving feature F004:03 (14cm scale). See Figure 12 for plate location.
ADCO Plates 11D0036 11R0128 Bandon River Flood Relief Scheme Archaeological Inspection Bandon to Curranure, Co. Cork
Plate 79: Example shot of series of timber piles located immediately adjacent to the bridge piers from Bandon Bridge (14cm scale). See Figure 12 for plate location.
Plate 80: Example shot of riverbed at NGR: 149289E, 55066N, 16m downstream of Bandon Bridge (14cm scale). Note: ceramic fragments within matrix. See Figure 12 for plate location.
ADCO Plates 11D0036 11R0128 Bandon River Flood Relief Scheme Archaeological Inspection Bandon to Curranure, Co. Cork
Plate 81: Underwater shot of poured mass concrete capping over sewage pipeline inserted across the river, between NGR: 149310E/ 055100N (south bank) and NGR: 149320E/ 055135N (north bank), in 2006 as part of Bandon Sewage Scheme (14cm scale). See Figure 12 for plate location.
Plate 82: Underwater shot of recently broken ceramic sewer pipe crossing the river 50m downstream of Bandon Bridge (14cm scale). See Figure 12 for plate location.
ADCO Plates 11D0036 11R0128 Bandon River Flood Relief Scheme Archaeological Inspection Bandon to Curranure, Co. Cork
Plate 83: Example shot of riverbed at NGR: 149351E, 55096N, 83m downstream of Bandon Bridge (14cm scale). See Figure 12 for plate location.
Plate 84: Example shot of riverbed at NGR: 149462E, 55115N, 194m downstream of Bandon Bridge (14cm scale). See Figure 13 for plate location.
ADCO Plates 11D0036 11R0128 Bandon River Flood Relief Scheme Archaeological Inspection Bandon to Curranure, Co. Cork
Plate 85: Example shot of riverbed at NGR: 149540E, 55123N (14cm scale). See Figure 13 for plate location.
Plate 86: Example shot of riverbed at NGR: 149629E, 55128N. See Figure 13 for plate location.
ADCO Plates 11D0036 11R0128 Bandon River Flood Relief Scheme Archaeological Inspection Bandon to Curranure, Co. Cork
Plate 87: Example shot of riverbed at NGR: 149697E, 55136N. See Figure 13 for plate location.
Plate 88: Underwater shot of Timber Pile (oak) protruding from the riverbed at NGR: 149774E, 55143N (14cm scale). See Figure 13 for plate location.
ADCO Plates 11D0036 11R0128 Bandon River Flood Relief Scheme Archaeological Inspection Bandon to Curranure, Co. Cork
Plate 89: Underwater shot of Timber Pile (oak) protruding from the riverbed at NGR: 149777E, 55139N (14cm scale). See Figure 13 for plate location.
Plate 90: Example shot of riverbed at NGR: 149796E, 55145N. See Figure 13 for plate location.
ADCO Plates 11D0036 11R0128 Bandon River Flood Relief Scheme Archaeological Inspection Bandon to Curranure, Co. Cork
Plate 91: Example shot of riverbed at NGR: 149806E, 55149N. Note: three mortared red bricks (14cm scale). See Figure 13 for plate location.
Plate 92: Example shot of riverbed at NGR: 149828E, 55160N (14cm scale).
ADCO Plates 11D0036 11R0128 Bandon River Flood Relief Scheme Archaeological Inspection Bandon to Curranure, Co. Cork
Plate 93: Example shot of riverbed at NGR: 149849E, 55171N (14cm scale). See Figure 13 for plate location.
Plate 94: Example shot of riverbed at NGR: 149855E, 55178N (14cm scale). Note: bedrock upstanding from riverbed. See Figure 13 for plate location.
ADCO Plates 11D0036 11R0128 Bandon River Flood Relief Scheme Archaeological Inspection Bandon to Curranure, Co. Cork
Plate 95: Example shot of riverbed at NGR: 149913E, 55222N. Note: iron link chain concerted to riverbed (14cm scale). See Figure 13 for plate location.
Plate 96: Example shot of riverbed at NGR: 150018E, 55278N (14cm scale). See Figure 13 for plate location.
ADCO Plates 11D0036 11R0128 Bandon River Flood Relief Scheme Archaeological Inspection Bandon to Curranure, Co. Cork
Plate 97: Example shot of riverbed at NGR: 150131E, 55340N (14cm scale). See Figure 13 for plate location.
Plate 98: Internal View: detail shot of two medieval pottery rim fragments (orange/ red earthenware with internal green glaze) recovered from riverbed beneath Bandon Bridge (14cm scale).
ADCO Plates 11D0036 11R0128 Bandon River Flood Relief Scheme Archaeological Inspection Bandon to Curranure, Co. Cork
Plate 99: Side View: detail shot of two medieval pottery rim fragments (orange/ red earthenware with internal green glaze) from riverbed beneath Bandon Bridge (14cm scale).
Plate 100: Selection of ceramic fragments recovered from riverbed immediately downstream of Bandon Bridge; Salt glaze stoneware fragment, earthenware fragment, blue & white ware plate fragment, blackware fragment, and two stoneware fragments (14cm scale).
ADCO Plates
Recording prehistoric logboat at Underwater elevation of bridge pier collapsed in Iron cannon on site of 17th-century Gormanston, Co. Meath 1763. River Nore Flood Alleviation Scheme timber wreck discovered during GAS 2025 Irish Sea dredging programme Interconnector Waterford Harbour