Cultural Heritage Assessment for the
Omeath Sewerage Scheme, Co. Louth
Prepared by: Declan Moore
Issued to:
Tobin Consulting Engineers, Block 10-4, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15.
Date: March 2016
moore group – archaeological & environmental services – mooregroup.ie Moore Group March 2016
Contents
1 Introduction ...... 1 1.1 Description of Project ...... 1 2 Methodology ...... 3 2.1 Introduction ...... 3 2.2 Archaeological Assessment ...... 3 3 Existing Environment ...... 6 3.1 Locational Details ...... 6 3.2 Archaeological and Historical Background ...... 6 3.3 Archaeological Heritage ...... 8 3.4 Site Inspection ...... 13 3.5 Potential Impacts Archaeological ...... 17 3.6 Potential Impacts –Architectural / Cultural heritage sites ...... 18 3.7 Mitigation Measures ...... 19 3.8 Residual Impacts ...... 19 4 References and Bibliography ...... 19 4.1 OTHER SOURCES REFERENCED ...... 20 4.2 Conventions and Legislation ...... 20 4.3 Other Policy Contexts and Guidelines ...... 22
List of Figures
Figure 1 Site location map Omeath, Co. Meath ...... 2
Figure 2 Site location map, showing proposed development areas...... 2
Figure 3 Location of archaeological monuments and historic properties in Omeath ...... 3
Figure 4 Extract from OS First Ed. Showing Omeath...... 11
Figure 5 Extract from OS 25” map showing Omeath...... 12
Figure 6 Aerial image of development site...... 12
List of Plates
Plate 1 Looking north towards Knocknagoran House from the proposed wastewater treatment site. 14
Plate 2 Looking east towards Carlingford Lough from the proposed waste water treatment site...... 15
Plate 3 Looking west at the proposed site of the wastewater treatment site...... 15
Plate 4 Looking east over the proposed pumping station site...... 15
Plate 5 Looking north along the proposed route of the pipeline...... 16
Plate 6 Looking southeast along the proposed pipelines with the coastguard cottages visible...... 16
15186 Omeath Sewerage Scheme, Co. Louth Moore Group March 2016
Plate 7 Looking north from the graveyard...... 17
Abbreviations
ACA Architectural Conservation Areas
DoAHG Department of Arts Heritage & the Gaeltacht
EPA Environmental Protection Agency
GIS Geographical Information System (mapping software)
NIAH National Inventory of Architectural Heritage
OSI Ordnance Survey Ireland
RMP Record of Monuments and Places
RPS Record of Protected Structures
SMR Sites and Monuments Record
DLHG Demesne Landscapes and Historic Gardens
15186 Omeath Sewerage Scheme, Co. Louth Moore Group March 2016
Non Technical Summary
Moore Group was commissioned by Tobin Consulting Engineers, to carry out a cultural heritage assessment for the construction of a 1000PE wastewater treatment plant, the construction of a pumping station and construction of new pipelines. Two new sites will be developed at the north and south of the village. These are on greenfield locations and the pipeline will be constructed through an existing road at the waterfront. The works also involve the rehabilitation of the existing outfall and extension beyond the low water mark. The site is on the southern shore of Carlingford Lough.
The village includes a number of archaeological remains including the site of a church, two 17th century statues and a ringfort. The area also includes a number of 18th and 19th century structures included in the record of protected structures. This shows consistent settlement in the area since the earliest times. This may have left subsurface remains within the site. Excavation may expose these remains and as a result archaeological monitoring had been recommended.
PLEASE NOTE: The above recommendations are subject to the approval of the National Monuments Section at the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.
15186 Omeath Sewerage Scheme, Co. Louth 1 Introduction
Moore Group was commissioned by Tobin Consulting Engineers to carry out a cultural heritage assessment of the proposed construction of a 1000PE wastewater treatment plant, the construction of a pumping station and construction of new pipelines. Two new sites will be developed at the north and south of the village. These are on greenfield locations and the pipeline will be constructed through an existing road at the waterfront. The works also involve the rehabilitation of the existing outfall and extension beyond the low water mark. The site is on the southern shore of Carlingford Lough. Although the site is not within the archaeological zone of potential for any recorded monuments there are a number of monuments in the locality.
For the purposes of this report the definition of “cultural heritage” is taken broadly from the UNESCO Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, 1972, which considers the following to be “cultural heritage”:
Monuments: architectural works, works of monumental sculpture and painting, elements or structures of an archaeological nature, inscriptions, cave dwellings and combinations of features, which are of outstanding universal value from the point of view of history, art or science; Groups of Buildings: groups of separate or connected buildings which, because of their architecture, their homogeneity or their place in the landscape, are of outstanding universal value from the point of view of history, art or science; Sites: works of man or the combined works of nature and man, and areas including archaeological sites which are of outstanding universal value from the historical, aesthetic, ethnological or anthropological point of view.
Mitigation measures are proposed and an indication of the likely potential residual impacts upon the cultural heritage of the proposed development are assessed.
1.1 Description of Project
The development consists of the construction of a 1000PE wastewater treatment plant, the construction of a pumping station, construction of new pipelines and network rehabilitation works. Two new sites will be developed at the north and south of the village. These are on greenfield locations and the pipeline will be excavated through an existing road at the waterfront. The works also involve the rehabilitation of the existing outfall and extension (50m) beyond the low water mark. It is envisaged that the rehabilitation would be carried out by no dig techniques, such as cured in place liners, to minimise the impact of this work. It is envisaged that the extension of the outfall will require the excavation of a trench, placement of the extended outfall pipe and diffusers and backfilling of the trench. The site is on the southern shore of Carlingford Lough.
15186 Omeath Sewerage Scheme, Co. Louth 1 Moore Group March 2016
Figure 1 Site location map Omeath, Co. Meath
Figure 2 Site location map, showing proposed development areas
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Figure 3 Location of archaeological monuments and historic properties in Omeath
2 Methodology 2.1 Introduction
The principle aim of the Cultural Heritage Assessment is to anticipate and avoid impacts on the cultural heritage resource. Detailed constraints mapping in GIS forms the basis of this work, followed by further analysis of sites that will potentially be impacted upon and field surveys to ground truth the results of the desk based assessment work and ascertain the significance of any potential impacts.
2.2 Archaeological Assessment
The assessment of impacts upon the archaeological, architectural and cultural heritage is based on a desktop study of published and unpublished documentary and cartographic sources, followed by a field survey and consultation with statutory stakeholders. In light of the legislative protection afforded to the cultural heritage resource (see above) this report assesses the archaeological, architectural, cultural and historical importance of the subject area and examines both the direct and indirect effects of the proposed development on the receiving environment as well as potential impacts and recommends mitigation measures.
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Table 1 Tables of Impacts
Type of Impact Direct Indirect
Cultural Heritage site is within a development area. An impact where mitigation would be unlikely to remove adverse effects.
Reserved for adverse, negative effects Cultural Heritage site is within a only. These effects arise where an development area. Construction archaeological site is completely and works will entail the destruction of the irreversibly destroyed by a proposed visual context of the site or isolate it Profound development from associated groups or features.
Cultural Heritage site is adjacent to a development area. An impact like this would be where a part of a site would Cultural Heritage site is adjacent to a be permanently impacted upon, development area. Construction leading to a loss of character, integrity works will greatly injure the visual and data about the archaeological context of the site or isolate it from Significant feature/site associated groups or features.
A moderate direct impact arises where a change to a site is proposed which though noticeable, is not such that the Development works will noticeably archaeological integrity of the site is affect the context of a cultural Moderate compromised and which is reversible. heritage site.
An impact which causes a slight change in the setting of a site but does Development works will slightly affect Slight not directly impact or affect the feature. the context of a cultural heritage site
An impact capable of measurement The development will have no Imperceptible but without noticeable consequences. predicted impact.
2.2.1 Desk Based Study
World Heritage Sites and Candidate World Heritage Sites were reviewed to see if any are located within the vicinity of the proposed development.
All known cultural heritage sites were mapped in GIS along with aerial photography and Ordnance Survey Ireland (OSI) First Edition Mapping (Circa 1830). Sites mapped included the following:
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World Heritage Sites National Monuments, be they in the ownership or guardianship of the State, in the ownership of a local authority or monuments under preservation orders; Record of Monuments & Places (RMP) and Sites and Monuments Record (SMR) from www.archaeology.ie; Records of Protected Structures from Louth County Council; National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (NIAH) for County Louth Demesnes Landscapes and Historic Gardens indicated on the OSI First Edition Mapping.
All townlands located within 0.5km of the site were listed and cross-referenced with:
National Monuments List for County Louth from www.archaeology.ie; and Preservation Orders, a list available from the Department of Arts, Heritage and Local Government (DoAHG). All churches and graveyards which have the potential to be in the ownership of the Local Authorities were highlighted as potential National Monuments.
All townlands located within 2km of the proposed development site were listed and crossed referenced with:
National Monuments, a list for County Louth available from www.archaeology.ie; Preservation Orders, a list available from the DoAHG; and Lists contained in to the Report of the Commissioners or Church Temporalities of Ireland (1879) which contain lists of Churches, School Houses and Graveyards that were vested in the Representative Church Body and the Burial Boards under The Irish Church Act, 1869.
The Louth County Development Plan 2015-2021 was reviewed and several other documentary and literary sources were reviewed to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the cultural heritage of the region. The development plans contain lists of cultural heritage sites including national monuments, recorded monuments, architectural conservation areas, protected structures and protected views as well as baseline assessments of the landscape character of the county. The plans also outline the county’s heritage policies and objectives that aim to protect and promote the archaeological, architectural and cultural heritage of the region. This evaluation was carried out with due regard to these policies and other relevant information contained within the plans.
In order to assess the potential impact of the proposal the following sources were also consulted or reviewed:
Excavations Bulletin; Topographical files of the National Museum of Ireland; Cartographic Sources; Toponyms; Aerial photographs; Published archaeological inventories; and Documentary Sources: a number of literary references were consulted
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2.2.2 Field Survey
Following a detailed desk study of the subject area a field survey was undertaken on the 15th of March 2016 to further assess the potential impacts that the proposed development would have on the local cultural heritage resource.
3 Existing Environment
3.1 Locational Details
Omeath is located on the northern side of the Cooley peninsula on Carlingford Lough in the Electoral District of Drummullagh. It is a village with a population of 503 persons based on the 2011 Census and is mainly a residential area with seasonal variations in population.
The proposed development is located along the shoreline. The works will be undertaken in two locations at the south of the village and at the north, these are within greenfield sites. All connecting pipelines will also be constructed.
County Louth
Area Omeath
Barony Lower Dundalk
Parish Carlingford
Townland (s) Knocknagoran
OS Sheet number (s) LH 005
Significant Archaeological LH005-005 Earthwork sites in the vicinity (Refer to Fig. 3) LH005---8001 Church
LH005---8002 Graveyard
LH002---01001 & 2 stone heads
LH002---008 Ringfort
ITM 713941 816949
3.2 Archaeological and Historical Background
Research was undertaken in two phases. It comprised of a paper study of available archaeological, historical and cartographic sources and a site walkover.
The Carlingford Peninsula has a large concentration of archaeological monuments. These range from prehistoric burials monuments to the important Medieval town of Carlingford.
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3.2.1 Prehistory
The Sites and Monuments Record (SMR) lists a number of prehistoric sites on the Carlingford Peninsula. These include a number of megalithic monuments, however the commonest are barrows. These are associated with the Bronze/Iron Age burial tradition (c. 2400 BC - AD 400) and are defined by an artificial mound of earth or earth and stone, normally constructed to contain or conceal burials. These sites vary in shape and scale and can be variously described as bowl-barrow, ditch barrow, embanked barrow, mound barrow, pond barrow, ring-barrow and stepped barrow.
The incidence and frequency of these sites in the area attests to the extent of prehistoric settlement in this area from earliest times.
3.2.2 Iron Age to Early Medieval Period
In late Bronze Age Ireland the use of the metal reached a high point with the production of high quality decorated weapons, ornament and instruments, often discovered from hoards or ritual deposits. The Iron Age however is known as a ‘dark age’ in Irish prehistory. Iron objects are found rarely, but there is no evidence for the warrior culture of the rest of Europe, although the distinctive La Tené style of art with animal motifs and spirals was adopted.
Political life in the Iron Age seems to have been defined by continually warring petty kingdoms vying for power. These kingdoms, run on an extended clan system, had their economy rooted in mixed farming and, in particular, cattle. Settlement was typically centred on a focal hillfort. T
Settlement in the Early Medieval Period is defined by the ubiquitous ringfort, thought to be small farmsteads, enclosing houses, farm buildings and animal pens, enclosed as protection against raiders or wild animals. Some examples have two (bivallate) or three (trivallate) banks and fosses, but these are less common and have been equated with higher status sites belonging to upper grades of society. Excavations of the interiors suggest that the houses were small circular huts, built of stakes with a double skin of wattle and a thatched roof. Their distribution in the region is dispersed and widespread. Many of these sites have been destroyed in modern times but survive as cropmarks.
The introduction of Christianity to Ireland in the fifth century had a profound impact on Gaelic society, not in the least in terms of land ownership and the development of churches and religious houses. The most significant ecclesiastical centre to the proposed development would have been the pre-Norman Ecclesiastical enclosure in nearby Lusk (RMP DU008-010006).
3.2.3 Historic Period
Following the Norman Conquest of the country Carlingford was developed as a regional centre. St. Johns castle was constructed in 1207 and the town was walled in the early 12rh century. The town of Omeath was established around a coastguard station and worker’s cottage in the late eighteenth century and the early nineteenth century.
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3.3 Archaeological Heritage
3.3.1.1 National Monuments in State Care, Guardianship or under Protection Order
Under the National Monuments Act (1930) and its various amendments archaeological sites in the ownership or guardianship of the state or a local authority and sites under preservation orders are designated as National Monuments and offered the highest level of protection under Irish Legislation. In order to ensure that all potential National Monuments were recorded the following methodology was employed in assessing potential impacts. All National Monuments in the ownership or guardianship of the state or a local authority or sites under Preservation Orders within 1km of the proposed development were reviewed in GIS to ascertain whether there was any potential for direct impacts (physical or on their setting) or indirect impacts. There are no national Monuments within 1km of the development site.
3.3.1.2 Sites and Monuments (SMR / Record of Monuments and Places (RMP)
A review of the Record of Monument and Places (RMP) dataset identified five sites within 100m of the proposed development. All the sites were identified as part of the archaeological survey of Co. Louth. The pipeline will be constructed in the road to the north of the church and graveyard.
RMP No Classification Comment Townland LH005-005 Earthwork Knocknagoran At a remove from the development
LH005- Church Knocknagoran Adjacent to the 00801 pipeline
LH005- Graveyard Knocknagoran Adjacent to the 00802 pipeline
LH002-008 Ringfort Drumullagh At a remove from the development
LH002- Stone heads Drumullagh At a remove from 010/001 the development
Table 2 Inventory of sites in the vicinity of the proposed works (Refer to Fig.3)
SMR No: LH005-005
Classification: Earthwork
Description: Marked as an antiquity on the current OS 6-inch map and known locally as ‘O’ Hagen’s Fort. No Visible surface trace except curve in field fence to the south (circa 50m south).
SMR No: LH 005-008001
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Classification: Church
Graveyard marked on Taylor and Skinners map of 1777. Present church modern, but irregular mound in NNE corner of graveyard probably the site of an earlier church.
SMR No: LH005-008002
Classification: Graveyard
Graveyard marked on Taylor and Skinners map of 1777. Present church modern, but irregular mound in NNE corner of graveyard probably the site of an earlier church.
SMR No: LH002-010001 &2
Classification: Stone head
Two carved stone figures set into a bank. One has long hair, the other an upright collar. Believed to be of seventeenth century date. They may have been removed from Armagh Cathedral in 1834. The backs of the figures are rough as if they had been built into a wall.
SMR No: LH002-008
Classification; Ringfort
Circular area (internal diameter 31m) enclosed by a much degraded bank (width 3.6m, height 0.5m internally, 1.2m externally) with traces of boulder facing and shallow external fosse (width 1.7m) at the northeast. Entrance gap (width 1.6m) at the west-south-west of the inner bank.
3.3.1.3 Previous Archaeological Fieldwork
The Excavations Bulletin is both a published annual directory and an on-line database that provides summary accounts of all the excavations carried out in Ireland – North and South – from 1970 to 2014.
A search of the Excavations Bulletin website for Bay produced the following results for the wider subject area. A number of test excavations and archaeological monitoring works have taken place in the vicinity, they are as follows:
Reference Townland Site type Licence No. Co-ordinates No. N/A Knocknagoran Earthwork site 98R0318 713478 816324 Testing took place at a proposed development adjacent to an earthwork. A gully was uncovered running east to west. This may represent the ditch of the ringfort reworked as a drain.
Author:
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Reference Townland Site type Licence No. Co-ordinates No. N/A Knocknagran No archaeological 04E0515 E 561800m, N significance 833576 Archaeological monitoring did not uncover any archaeological remains.
Author: Kieran Campbell, 6 St. Ultans, Laytown, Co. Louth
Reference Townland Site type Licence No. Co-ordinates No. N/A Knocknagran Earthwork site 07E0786 E 561800m, N 833576 No remains were uncovered.
Author: Kieran Campbell, 6 St. Ultans, Laytown, Co. Louth
Reference Townland Site type Licence No. Co-ordinates No. N/A Knocknagran No archaeological 10E060 significance Archaeological testing did not uncover any archaeological remains.
Author: Yvonne Whitty, Tinahely, Co. Wicklow
3.3.1.4 Toponym Analysis
Townland names are a rich source of information for the land use, history, archaeology and folklore of an area. The placename can have a variety of language origins such as, Irish, Viking, Anglo-Norman and English. The names can provide information on families, topographical features, and historical incidents. In terms of the built environment many names reference churches, fords, castles, raths, graveyards, roads and passes etc. In compiling the following data a number of resources were consulted including the Placenames Database of Ireland www.logainm.ie and Irish Names of Places by P.W. Joyce (Joyce, 1913).
Townland Irish Version Translation Name/ Name Knocknagoran Cnoc na nGaghran Gorans hill
3.3.1.5 Cartographic Research
Analysis of historic mapping shows how the landscape has changed over time. The comparison of editions of historic maps can show how some landscape features have been created, altered or removed over a period of time. Sometimes features that appear on these early maps are found to be of
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potential archaeological significance during fieldwork. For this study the following historic maps were consulted:
Down or Civil Survey 1654 -1656 First edition Ordnance Survey 6” Maps circa 1830; and Second edition Ordnance Survey 25” Maps circa 1900.
A review of the available cartographic sources for the subject area, begins with the Petty’s Down Survey, so called because a chain was laid down and a scale made. The survey was undertaken from 1656-8 under the direction of William Petty. Using the earlier Civil Survey as a guide, teams of surveyors, mainly former soldiers, were sent out to measure every townland to be forfeited to soldiers and adventurers post the Cromwellian Wars. The resulting maps, made at a scale of 40 perches to one inch (the modern equivalent of 1:50,000) were the first systematic mapping of a large area on such a scale attempted anywhere. The primary purpose of these was to record the boundaries of each townland and to calculate their areas with great precision. The maps are also rich in other detail showing churches, roads, rivers, castles, houses and fortifications. Most towns are represented pictorially and the cartouches, the decorative titles, of each map in many cases reflect a specific characteristic of each barony.
The subject area lies within Carlingford Parish in Knocknagoran townland. In 1641 the land in Omeath consisting of 156 acres of ‘profitable land’ and was in the ownership of Prot Bagnall and remained in his possession.
The first edition of the Ordnance Survey was carried out between 1829 and 1842 and is still regarded by cartographers as amongst the finest maps ever produced. The sheet for Omeath shows the subject area as comprising of a number of structures, a roman catholic church and graveyard (figure 4). There are no anomalies or features marked that are indicative of archaeological remains.
The second edition 25” survey dated 1889-1913 shows the Omeath shows an increased number of structures and ancillary services in the village. There are no anomalies or features marked that are indicative of archaeological remains (figure 5).
Figure 4 Extract from OS First Ed. Showing Omeath.
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Figure 5 Extract from OS 25” map showing Omeath.
3.3.1.6 Aerial Photography
The usefulness of aerial photography is that it allows for a different perspective, ‘the distant view’. Archaeological sites may show up on the ground surface, depending on their state of preservation, by light and shadow contrasts (shadow marks), tonal differences in the soil (soil marks) or differences in height and colour of the cultivated cereal (crop marks). It is also a useful aid in pinpointing existing features and can assist in ascertaining their extent and degree of preservation.
A review of available aerial images from the OSI and other map based websites shows the existing sites no anomalies were identified that could be interpreted as archaeological monuments.
Figure 6 Aerial image of development site.
3.3.2 Architecture Heritage
3.3.2.1 Record of Protected Structures (RPS) / National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (NIAH)
Both the Record of Protected Structures for Louth County Council and the NIAH survey were referenced as part of this assessment. There are two one listing for structures within 1km of the subject area as follows.
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Record of Protected Structures /NIAH Name of Distance RPS/NIAH Townland Description Structure
13833006 Drumullagh Drummulla Detached three-bay single storey over basement 75m House, with attic house, built c. 1760. Main block is Omeath, Co. rectangular plan facing east, gable glazed porch Louth c. 1930 projecting from the front east elevation. Two storey over basement return wing to the northwest. Hipped slate roof, clay ridge tikes.
1383301 Bayview Knocknagoran Detached three-bay, two storey house built c. 480m House. 1800. L-plan, two storey return to west elevation set Omeath, Co. in internal angle, single-storey block to south. Louth
13833007 Omeath, Co. Knocknagoran Three bay, single storey house built c. 1860. Louth Rectangular pla, gabled porch to the south, flat roofed extension to the north. Pitched slate roof, concrtet ridge tiles, red brick chimneystacks with concrtet caps and moulded clay chimney pots.
13833008 Omeath, Co. Knocknagoran Terrace of four, two-bay, two storey former Louth coastguard houses. Rectangular plan, pitched slate roofs, red brick corbelled chimney stacks with concrete caps.
3.3.2.2 Demesne Landscapes and Historic Gardens
Demesne landscapes and historic gardens appear as shaded areas on the OSI first edition mapping. In the preparation of this assessment, OSI first edition mapping was consulted in conjunction with the NIAH Garden Survey, to assess all demesne landscapes and historic gardens within 250m of the proposed development.
There is one demesne in the vicinity of the subject area – Drumullagh House. This site is listed on the NIAH. The house was built around 1760 and the demesne is marked on the first edition OS map (figure 4). The proposed wastewater treatment plant will be excavated adjacent to the demesne.
3.4 Site Inspection
A site inspection was carried out in wet weather conditions on the 15th of March 2016. The site consists of two greenfield locations at the north and south of the village and pipelines along the coastal road. The site at the north will be developed as a wastewater treatment plant. The site at the south will be developed as a pumping station.
Wasterwater treatment plant; This is adjacent to the walled demesne of Knocknagoran House. The first edition OS map shows the demesne marked in grey in the field adjacent to the proposed development.
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This field is delineated by a random rubble wall and is currently in use as pasture. The field is rough underfoot and water loving plants such as rushes are in evidence across the site. No potential archaeological finds or features were noted in this area.
Pumping station; This is located at the south of the village. The site is currently in use as pasture and is surrounded by existing housing and a post and wire fence. The site is rough underfoot. No potential archaeological finds or features were noted in this area.
Pipelines; These will be constructed along the seafront road. This road was constructed along the coastline and is visible on the first edition OS map. The pipeline will be constructed in the roadway to the north of the church and graveyard. No potential archaeological finds or features were noted in this area.
Plate 1 Looking north towards Knocknagoran House from the proposed wastewater treatment site.
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Plate 2 Looking east towards Carlingford Lough from the proposed waste water treatment site.
Plate 3 Looking west at the proposed site of the wastewater treatment site.
Plate 4 Looking east over the proposed pumping station site.
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Plate 5 Looking north along the proposed route of the pipeline.
Plate 6 Looking southeast along the proposed pipelines with the coastguard cottages visible.
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Plate 7 Looking north from the graveyard.
3.5 Potential Impacts Archaeological
3.5.1 Potential Direct Impacts during the Construction Phase
Potential construction impacts may be direct, physical impacts on known and previously unrecorded archaeological, architectural or cultural heritage sites, structures, monuments or features. In relation to the proposed development, direct, physical impacts on the archaeological, architectural and cultural heritage can manifest themselves in the following ways:
Where an archaeological, architectural or cultural heritage site, structure, monument or feature is located within an area where works takes place and the works either intentionally or unintentionally entail the alteration or removal of all or part of the site, structure, monument or feature a direct, physical impact will occur; Direct, physical impacts can also occur in gaining access to the site. Where archaeological, architectural or cultural heritage sites, structures, monuments or features are intentionally or unintentionally removed or altered when transporting and/or facilitating access for machinery, equipment and/or materials to or from site a direct physical impact will occur; and There is the potential for direct, physical impacts on previously unrecorded archaeological and architectural sites, structures, monuments or features.
If these impacts cannot be remediated, for example if archaeological deposits are destroyed during excavations, then the impacts will be permanent.
3.5.1.1 Potential Direct Impacts on Recorded Archaeological Monuments
As stated the development site is within the ‘zone of notification’ for a church and graveyard and can be considered to be of high archaeological potential. The location of the development on the shorefront
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would also be an area of archaeological potential, these areas were good for settlement due to access to trade links and a ready food supply.
3.5.1.2 Potential Impacts on the setting of Recorded Archaeological Monuments
The proposed pumping station and wastewater treatment plant are at a remove from the recorded archaeological monuments in Omeath and will not impact upon them. The pipelines will be constructed along the roadside to the north of the graveyard and church at the south. Although this will not impact directly on the sites there may be extramural remains outside the walled graveyard. In the past suicided victims, unbaptised children and bodies whose origins could not be ascertained were often buried outside the official graveyard site. Excavation can uncover these remains.
3.6 Potential Impacts –Architectural / Cultural heritage sites
3.6.1 Potential Direct Impacts during the Construction Phase
The proposed rising water main will be excavated close to the coastguard cottage. However; the excavation will have no physical or visual impact on the structures. The proposed location of the wastewater treatment plant is adjacent to the demesne of Knocknagoran House but will not impact on it. The demesne is heavily overgrown and the treatment plant will not impact on the area physically or visually.
3.6.1.1 Direct Impacts on Protected Structures/NIAH sites
Direct impacts can also take the form of impacts on the settings of architectural or cultural heritage features – impacts on setting are primarily visual and examine the effect of the development upon the setting of a site within the wider landscape. Visual impacts can be reduced with sensitive site development and screening. Based on the proposed works there will be a minor impact on the settings of the known architectural sites.
3.6.1.2 Potential Impacts on the setting of Architectural Structures
There will be no predicted impacts directly or on the setting of any protected structures, NIAH sites or demesnes.
3.6.2 ‘Do Nothing scenario’
In this instance there would be no impact on any recorded or potential unrecorded sub surface deposits.
3.6.3 ‘Worst case scenario’
If the proposed development where to proceed without the implementation of proposed archaeological mitigation measures construction work could directly impact on archaeological features resulting in significant negative impacts.
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3.7 Mitigation Measures
The assessment has shown that the proposed development will not have a direct impact on the cultural heritage landscape. Nonetheless, given the proximity of the proposed development to the church and graveyard and its location along the shorefront there is still the potential for discreet archaeological features to be encountered. Therefore, it is recommended that a programme of archaeological monitoring be carried by a suitably qualified archaeologist during the construction stage. If archaeological material is encountered the National Monuments Service will be informed and in consultation an agreed mitigation strategy will be put in place.
It is recommended that a pre-construction underwater archaeological survey be carried out with regards to the proposed extension to the existing outfall.
PLEASE NOTE: The above recommendations are subject to the approval of the National Monuments Section at the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.
3.8 Residual Impacts
If the proposed mitigation measures are implemented then any direct or indirect impacts on the local archaeological resource can be mitigated.
Following the implementation of the above mitigation measures, the residual impacts of the proposed development on the local archaeology, architectural and cultural heritage resource will be negligible.
4 References and Bibliography
Berg, S. (2010) 'Black is the Colour Chert, Concave Scrapers and Passage Tombs' In: Materialitas Working Stone, Carving Identity Prehistoric Society Research Papers 3 Oxford: The Prehistoric Society and Oxbow Books
Joyce, P.W., 1913. Irish Names of Places. Vol. III. Dublin.
Killanin, Lord. & Duignan, M.V., 1989. The Shell Guide to Ireland. Edbury Press, London.
Leask, H. G. 1977 Irish Churches and Monastic Buildings I. The first phases of the Romanesque. Dundalk 2nd Ed. Vol 1. 110-11
Lewis, S., 1937. A Topographical Dictionary of Ireland. 2 Vols. Lewis & Co., London.
O’Farrell, F 1894. Topography and traditions of the Great Island and Dublin Harbour. CHAS. Vol. 3, No. 26.
Ó’Cróinín, D., 1995. Early Medieval Ireland, 400-1200. Longman, England.
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O’Keeffe, T., 2000. Medieval Ireland, an Archaeology. Tempus, U.K.
Power, P. 1918, Place -names and antiquities of S.E. Dublin, Ireland, PRIA, 34 C, 184-230.
Scarre, C. (2002). Monuments and Landscape in Atlantic Europe: Perception and Society during the Neolithic and Early Bronze Age. Routledge.
Waddell, J., 1990. The Bronze Age Burials of Ireland, Galway University Press, Galway.
Waddell, J., 1998. The Prehistoric Archaeology of Ireland. Galway University Press, Galway.
4.1 OTHER SOURCES REFERENCED
Dept. of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht & the Islands, 1999. Frameworks and Principles for the Protection of the Archaeological Heritage, Government publications, Dublin.
Dept. of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht & the Islands, 1999. Policy and Guidelines on Archaeological Excavation. Govn. Publications, Dublin.
The Heritage Council, 2000. Archaeology & Development: Guidelines for Good Practice for Developers. The Heritage Council of Ireland Series, Kilkenny.
The Planning and Heritage Section of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Sites and Monuments Record, County Sligo.
EPA, 1995. Advice notes on current practice in the preparation of Environmental Impact Statements. Dublin.
National Monuments Acts 1930-1994.
National Museum of Ireland. Topographical files, County Sligo. www.excavations.ie
4.2 Conventions and Legislation
Ireland has ratified several European and international conventions in relation to the protection of its cultural heritage. This section summarises Ireland’s obligations as a signatory to a number of International and European conventions relating to the protection and conservation of cultural heritage sites. Also included is a synopsis of existing national legislation governing the care and protection of our cultural heritage resource.
4.2.1 The European Convention on the Protection of the Archaeological Heritage (Valletta Convention), 1997
In 1997 the Republic of Ireland ratified the Council of Europe, European Convention on the Protection of the Archaeological Heritage (the ‘Valletta Convention’). Obligations under the Convention include: provision for statutory protection measures, including the maintenance of an inventory of the archaeological heritage and the designation of protected monuments and areas.
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4.2.2 The European Convention on the Protection of the Architectural Heritage (Granada Convention), 1997
Under this convention the Republic of Ireland is obliged to maintain inventories of architectural heritage, to protect the architectural heritage and adopt conservation policies as integrated planning objectives.
4.2.3 The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) World Heritage Convention, 1972
This Convention provides for the identification, conservation and preservation of cultural and natural sites of outstanding universal value for inclusion in a world heritage list. The World Heritage status is a non- statutory designation and no additional statutory controls result from this designation. However the impact of proposed development upon a World Heritage Site will be a key material consideration in determining planning applications.
4.2.4 ICOMOS Xi’an Declaration on the Conservation of the Setting of Heritage Structures, Sites and Areas, 2005
Ireland is a signatory to an international declaration sponsored by International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) that endeavours to ensure the safeguard and conservation of the World’s cultural heritage as part of its sustainable and human development.
4.2.5 EIA Directive 85/337/EEC as amended
In order to assist planning and other consent authorities in deciding if significant effects on the environment are likely to arise in the case of development below the national mandatory EIS thresholds, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government published a Guidance document in August 2003.
4.2.6 The European Landscape Convention 2000
In 2002 Ireland ratified the European Landscape Convention - also known as the Florence Convention, which promotes the protection, management and planning of European landscapes and organises European co-operation on landscape issues. It is the first international treaty to be exclusively concerned with all dimensions of European landscape.
4.2.7 The National Monuments Act 1930 to 2004
Irish legislation for the protection of archaeological heritage is based on the National Monuments Acts 1930 and amendments of 1954, 1987, 1994 and 2004. These acts are the principal statutes governing the care of monuments in the Irish Republic. They provide for the protection of national monuments through the use of preservation orders. The overall state archaeological service is provided by the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (DAHG) and delivered through the Planning and Heritage Section of the DAHG and the National Museum of Ireland (Irish Antiquities Division) on behalf of the Minister.
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Monuments are protected under the National Monuments Acts in a number of ways:
• National Monuments in the ownership or guardianship of the Minister or a local authority.
• National Monuments, which are subject to a preservation order.
• Historic monuments or archaeological areas recorded in the Register of Historic Monuments.
• Monuments recorded in the Record of Monuments and Places (RMP).
4.2.8 The Planning and Development Act 2006-2009;
The Planning and Development (Strategic Infrastructure) Act 2006 ensures the protection of the archaeological heritage resource by requiring that all applications under this Act are accompanied by an EIS including information on material assets, including the architectural and archaeological heritage, and the cultural heritage.
4.2.9 The Planning and Development Act 2000
Under arrangements which came into operation on 1 January 2000 (The Planning and Development Act 2000), the system of listing buildings was replaced with strengthened procedures for the preservation of protected structures and structures in architectural conservation areas (ACA).
4.2.10 The Architectural Heritage and Historic Properties Act, 1999
This Act provides for the establishment of a national inventory of architectural heritage it is used by local authorities to inform the compilation of their Record of Protected Structures which, under the Planning and Development Act 2000, does afford legal protection.
4.3 Other Policy Contexts and Guidelines
4.3.1 The National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (NIAH)
The NIAH is a state initiative that forms the basis for recommendations by the Minister of DAHG for inclusion in the Record of Protected Structures under the Planning and Development Act 2000.
4.3.2 The Framework and Principles for the Protection of the Archaeological Heritage guidelines, 1999
This document sets out the basic principles of national policy on the protection of the archaeological heritage. A key principle set out in these guidelines is that there should always be a presumption in favour of avoidance of developmental impacts on the archaeological heritage and preservation in-situ of archaeological sites and monuments must be presumed to be the preferred option.
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