ARCHAEOLOGICAL DIVE SURVEY

OF

NEARSHORE CABLE ROUTE

AMETS WAVE ENERGY TEST SITE

BELDERRA, ANNAGH, BELMULLET, CO. MAYO

Moore Marine

Job Number: M10MY01

Author: Eoghan Kieran

Date: September 2010

TABLE OF CONTENTS 1 SCOPE OF WORKS ...... 5 1.1 Introduction ...... 5 1.2 Archaeological Assessment ...... 6 2 CHARACTERISTICS OF THE PROJECT ...... 6 2.1 Site Description...... 6 2.2 Project Description ...... 6 2.2 Site Layout/Locational details ...... 7 2.3 Purpose of the Project ...... 8 3. DESCRIPTION OF THE EXISTING ENVIRONMENT ...... 10 3.1 Solid Geology ...... 10 3.2 Soil Type ...... 10 3.3 Landscape ...... 10 4. ARCHAEOLOGICAL & HISTORICAL BACKGROUND ...... 11 4.1 Historical Background ...... 11 The Mesolithic ...... 11 Neolithic Period ...... 11 The Bronze Age ...... 12 The Iron Age ...... 12 Early Christian / Early Medieval Period ...... 13 Later Historic Period ...... 14 5. BASELINE DATA ...... 17 5.1 Record of Monuments and Places ...... 17 5.2 The National Museum of Ireland Topographical Files ...... 19 5.3 Previous Archaeological Fieldwork in the area...... 22 5.4 Aerial Photographs ...... 23 5.5 Cartographic Evidence ...... 23 A map of the Maritime County of Mayo (1809-1817) by William Bald ...... 23 The First Edition Ordnance Survey Map for County Mayo, Sheets MA 09 & 016, Surveyed 1838 .... 24 Second Edition Ordnance Survey Map of County Mayo, Sheets MA 09 & 016, Surveyed 1900...... 25 5.6 Inventory of Architectural heritage post 1700 AD ...... 26 5.7 Placename Evidence ...... 26 6. UNDERWATER ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVEY ...... 26 6.1 Field Survey Methodology and Strategy ...... 27 6.2 Site Conditions ...... 28 6.3 Dive Team ...... 28 6.4 Underwater Survey ...... 29 6.5 Intertidal Survey ...... 30 7 RESULTS ...... 32 8 DISCUSSION ...... 32 8.1 Discussion ...... 32 8.1.1 The Development Area ...... 32 9 RECOMMENDATIONS ...... 33 10 BIBLIOGRAPHY ...... 34 10.1 Other Sources Referenced ...... 34

TABLE OF FIGURES

Figure 1. Extract from Discovery Series Map showing site location in red ...... 5 Figure 2. Proposed Development Plan (Berth C has been cancelled) ...... 7 Figure 3. Extract from Co. Mayo RMP Sheets 09 & 016 showing site location in red ...... 19 Figure 4. Extract from Bald’s Map of County Mayo 1817 ...... 24 Figure 5. Extract from First Edition Ordnance Survey Map of County Mayo, 1838 ...... 25 Figure 6. Extract from 2 nd Edition Ordnance Survey of Co. Mayo, surveyed 1900 ...... 26

TABLE OF PLATES

Plate 1. Aerial image of subject site ...... 23 Plate 2. Dive Survey Grid ...... 28 Plate 3. View of Survey Area...... 29 Plate 4. View of typical underwater substrate ...... 30 Plate 5. View of Ballymacsherron Promontory ...... 31 Plate 6. View of back beach area ...... 31 Plate 7. View of drain in back beach area ...... 32

TABLE OF TABLES

Table 1. Locational details ...... 8 Table 2. Proximity of RMP sites to the proposed development ...... 18

NON TECHNICAL SUMMARY

Moore Marine Services Ltd. was commissioned The desktop assessment concluded that that by Tonn Energy and ESBI, to carry out a area was a very dynamic stretch of coastline. It preliminary cultural heritage assessment of a noted that there were no recorded historic proposed wave energy test site and associated shipwrecks for this area and that if any facilities at Annagh Head, Belmullet, Co. Mayo. associated shipwreck archaeology was A component of this work was the completion uncovered, it would most likely comprise of an archaeological dive survey of the isolated artefacts. It did however note that nearshore and intertidal cable route. This work there may be possibility of submerged palaeo- was carried out in September 2010 under Dive landscapes in this area. Similar landscapes had Survey Licence 10D21 and Detection Device been found in other nearby parts of the Mayo Licence 10R12. The assessment investigated Coast and so there is the possibility that such the subject site for the location, nature, remains could be uncovered by works at character, condition and extent of any cultural Belderra. heritage which may be affected by the The diver survey recorded the presence of a development. The following report documents uniformly rippled seafloor with no visible the proposed project, the existing environment archaeological material. The intertidal survey at the site, survey methodologies, results of the recorded a varied beach structure, which had a surveys, potential impacts and defined back beach area comprising of storm recommendations. beach cobbles, flotsam and jetsam. No archaeological material was noted on the The underwater and intertidal archaeological intertidal zone. assessment was commissioned in order to locate, define and ascertain the character, Based on the results of the assessment it would condition and extent of any archaeological appear that the subject site is of high features, deposits or objects, which may be archaeological potential. Although there are no affected by the development. visible archaeological deposits on the route, there is potential that submerged remains Desktop analysis of the historical, exist. In light of this, it is recommended that all archaeological and cartographic sources invasive works associated with the landfall relating to the proposed development operations be monitored by a suitably qualified indicated that the subject site is located in a archaeologist. landscape which is very rich in both archaeology and history. Consequently, the subject site should be considered to be of high archaeological potential.

M10MY01 AMETS Archaeological dive and intertidal Assessment, September2010

1 SCOPE OF WORKS

1.1 Introduction

Moore Marine Services Ltd. was commissioned by Tonn Energy and ESBI, to carry out a preliminary cultural heritage assessment of a proposed wave energy test site and associated facilities at Annagh Head, Belmullet, Co. Mayo. A component of this work was the completion of an archaeological dive survey of the nearshore and intertidal cable route. This work was carried out in September 2010 under Dive Survey Licence 10D21 and Detection Device Licence 10R12. The assessment investigated the subject site for the location, nature, character, condition and extent of any cultural heritage which may be affected by the development. The following report documents the proposed project, the existing environment at the site, survey methodologies, results of the surveys, potential impacts and recommendations.

The protection of the archaeological heritage, is legislated for in The European Convention on the Protection of the Archaeological Heritage (revised) 1992 and Environmental Impact Legislation 85/337/EC and 97/11/EC.

Figure 1. Extract from Discovery Series Map showing site location in red

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1.2 Archaeological Assessment

The aim of the assessment was to:

• To ascertain the character, condition and extent of any archaeological areas, features or objects likely to be affected by the proposed works, including any associated temporary works and to ascertain the potential impact of the works on archaeological remains outside the immediate area of the proposed works as these may be vulnerable to impacts arising from consequent changes in hydrology and sediment formation.

• To accurately locate these archaeological areas, features and objects and present the findings in map form.

• To describe same and discuss their likely provenance

• To ascertain the potential impact of the proposed works on these remains

• To recommend appropriate measures for the avoidance of these remains or, where this cannot be achieved, to recommend measures to mitigate the impact of the works

• To incorporate all the above in a report.

2 CHARACTERISTICS OF THE PROJECT

2.1 Site Description

Belderra Beach is located on the western side of the Belmullet Peninsula. It comprises a westerly facing flat sandy dissipative beach which is sandwiched to the north and the south by Cross and Ballymacsherron Headlands. Both headlands are very significant in terms of their archaeological and historical heritage. Belderra beach is flanked to the east by pastureland which drains on to the beach. Access is provided by a second class road, the L5233 which runs almost parallel to the beach.

2.2 Project Description

The wave energy test site (WETS) is a facility to provide prospective developers with a grid connection and licensed berth location to test their full scale prototype wave energy devices. There will be a number of components to the facility which include offshore berth facilities in pre-designated box areas of varying water depth and power cables from the box areas to a land based substation where connection to the national grid will occur as detailed below:

• Offshore berths at three depths:

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o 100m Water Depth Mooring Location

o 50m Water Depth Mooring Location

• Four 20kV seabed cables to the mooring locations (two to 50m and two to 100m)

• Onshore substation to interface with the electricity network

• Dedicated feeder overhead power line (wooden pole) from test site substation to Belmullet 38/20/10kV substation (construction responsibility of ESB Networks and outside the scope of this document).

It is the landfall route of the Four 20kV seabed cables to the substation, that is the subject of this assessment

Figure 2. Proposed Development Plan (Berth C has been cancelled)

2.2 Site Layout/Locational details

County Mayo Townland Annagh, Emlybeg, Binghamstown, Cross, Ballymacsherron. OS Sheet number MO: 09 & 016 RMP number N/A

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NGR Varied Height +/- 10m O.D

Table 1. Locational details

2.3 Purpose of the Project

The proposed development will involve subsea cables and associated works at the landfall, allowing for connection into the distribution grid onshore. The project will comprise a number of components:

• Offshore cables in the sub tidal environment

• Cable landfalls in the intertidal environment

• Offshore berths for wave devices

Offshore Berth Locations;

The offshore test areas, Test Area A and Test Area B, were designed following consultation with Wave Energy Converter (WEC) developers and marine users, and were based on Marine Institute data and other survey data for the area.

Test Area A consists of an irregular boot shape designed to allow anchoring of the WEC on sediments ranging up to 7m in depth, while avoiding fishing ground in the area as much as possible. At the 50m water depth contour the test area consists of a box rectangular area, again located on sediments up to 7m in depth.

Submarine electricity cables

Wave Energy Converters (WEC’s) will be deployed within Test Area A and B and connected to the onshore electricity grid via electricity cables. The cable layout for the test site provides for two cable terminations at each end of the two offshore test area locations. Two cables will run from the cable transition bay at Belderra Strand to Test Area A (Approximately 16Km in length). The cables will be installed to an optimum depth of 1m below the seabed where sandy substrate exists. Surveys have indicated that a stony substrate is likely to be encountered along 4km of the cable route length and here the cables will be laid on the surface of the seabed and protected using suitable methods such as rock armour or concrete mattresses.

The cables will terminate within the test area. Within the test area, approximately 300m of each cable will consist of a dynamic riser cable, a flexible section of the cable which will allow connection to the WEC’s. This dynamic riser will be capped and left on the seafloor and protected as above. As the cable

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installation is likely to take place well in advance of the WEC’s deployment, the dynamic riser cable will need to be stabilised on the seabed until the WEC deployment takes place. The location of the dynamic riser cable will be marked by a surface marker buoy.

Two further cables will run for the land-side cable transition joint to test area B. Each cable will be approximately 6.5km long. These cables will again be installed to a minimum depth of 1m below the seabed where substrate allows and suitably protected on the seabed where necessary - although surveys indicate that the route for these cables has sandy substrate all the way. These cables will have 150m sections of dynamic riser cable which will be laid on the seabed and temporarily protected until WEC’s are deployed. They will also be capped and marked with a surface marker buoy. The cables will be deployed in a corridor with a maximum width of 200m and will converge as they near the shore to the landing location at Belderra Strand.

Cable lay vessel

Cable deployment will be performed by a dedicated cable laying vessel, which will lay the cable onto the seabed. The same vessel may also have a device to bury the cable into the seabed as the cable is laid. Such an embedment technique would typically be associated with ploughing in cables. Alternatively, a separate vessel may follow the cable laying vessel to perform the task. This embedment method would be used when trenching the cables using water jetting. Cable burial can be performed by either water jetting or ploughing.

Cable laying may be performed on a 24 hour basis to ensure minimal impact on navigation and on other users and to maximise efficient use of suitable weather conditions and vessel and equipment time. In addition to the installation vessel(s), additional support, supply and guard vessels will be involved with the operation.

Cable burial

Cable burial is required as a safety measure to avoid damage and entanglement with third parties (for example with trawling gear or anchors), and to minimise the risk of ‘free span’ cable over gaps leading to cable fatigue. The optimum burial depth is 1m, although this will be confirmed by detailed subsea survey and burial assessment work as part of an Engineer, Procure and Construct (EPC) contract. Cable burial depths are likely to vary where seabed movement is identified and depending on how compacted different areas of seabed are. For example, if the seabed is very hard, a burial depth of 0.5m may be acceptable. Where cables pass through a test area, as in the case of Test Area B, an increased burial depth of up to 2m may apply and this will be supplemented by rock berm protection to highlight the presence of the cables to prospective WEC deployments.

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Cable burial will be by means of a ploughing or water jetting, either simultaneously with, or after, cable deployment.

Cable route

The four cables will follow a sandy substrate corridor over most of their length to the landing location on Belderra Strand. In sandy substrate areas the cable will be buried to a minimum depth of 1m below the seabed.

Submarine cable landfall

The four cables will converge as they reach the proposed Belderra Beach landing area. The cables will run underneath the beach up to a cable transition joint bay located behind Belderra Strand. The cable corridor at the Low Water Mark will be approximately 40m in width reducing to a 10m corridor as the route approaches the cable transition joint bay location. The cables will be installed at a minimum depth of approximately 1m in conduits under the beach surface between the Low Water Mark and the cable transition joint bay. Conduits will be pre-installed and secured using lean mix at the bottom of the cable trench, which will be backfilled with beach material. The cables will cross the intertidal zone, and works associated with their installation will temporarily affect the zone between the high and low water marks, as well as above the high water mark near the existing car park area.

3. DESCRIPTION OF THE EXISTING ENVIRONMENT

3.1 Solid Geology

The geology of the region surrounding Annagh Head consists of Precambrian Schist and Gneiss.

3.2 Soil Type

The Geological Survey of Ireland records the broad physiographic division of this area as rolling lowland. It records that the principal soil is acid brown earths (90%) which has associated soils of gleys (5%), rogosols (3%) and podsols (2%). The parent material for this material is morainic sand and gravel and blown sands.

3.3 Landscape

The landscape surrounding Annagh is classified as rolling lowlands.

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4. ARCHAEOLOGICAL & HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

4.1 Historical Background

The Mesolithic

The Mesolithic (middle stone age) people were the first inhabitants of Ireland, arriving about 9000 years ago. They were a mobile society relying on wild resources for food, which was hunted and gathered using stone tools as well as boats, nets and traps. Settlement was in temporary and semi permanent groups of huts constructed of wood slung with hide, which may have operated as seasonal or hunting camps.

There is little evidence for the Mesolithic activity in west Mayo although the single discovery of a Bann Flake from Burrishoole suggests there may have been some occupation of the area at this time (Corlett 2001).

Neolithic Period

Farming was first adopted in the Middle East but spread gradually across Europe in succeeding centuries, arriving in Ireland about 4000 BC. Tending of crops and animals required a more sedentary lifestyle and larger permanent settlements were built. The megalithic (from the Greek ‘mega’ – large and ‘lithos’ – stone) monuments of the Neolithic people built as communal tombs or for ceremonial purposes, are relatively common in the landscape. New methods were adopted for shaping stone tools and the first long distance trade networks were established.

Neolithic activity is far more apparent in the archaeological record due to the presence of numerous megalithic monuments. These are abundant in Mayo, scattered across the landscape but often concentrated in particular areas, frequently hilltops or false crests commanding extensive views of the landscape. In west Mayo there are five Court tombs (Corlett, 1999). These monuments, amongst the earliest built in Ireland, generally consist of a broad trapeze shaped cairn with a roofless oval shaped courtyard set in front of a covered gallery, the burial vault (Ó Nualláin, 1991). Cremation seems to have been the predominant burial rite, the burials often accompanied by pottery vessels and stone implements. Monument construction on this scale is testament to a well-organised and sophisticated society in the area.

Although the burial monuments of the first Irish farmers are apparent in the landscape the settlement sites around them are elusive. In north Mayo there is an unusually well preserved system of fields dating from this period, the Céide fields. Here an entire landscape was sealed by a growth of blanket bog, preserving a network of stone walls which is suggestive of a well organised agricultural system. A well preserved house was excavated at Ballyglass, also in north Mayo and another was excavated to the

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north of Belmullet. These houses were generally rectangular and built of timber. They are generally identified only from the outline of surviving post holes and hearths. Similar field systems have been recorded travelling into the underwater zone at nearby Broadhaven Bay. Submarine bog deposits of possible archaeological significance have also been recorded in nearby Blacksod and Broadhaven Bays.

The Bronze Age

As stone tools were replaced by the use of copper, later combined with tin to make bronze, the structure of society also changed over centuries. While some communal megalithic monuments, particularly wedge tombs continued to be used, the Bronze Age is characterised by a movement towards single burial and the production of prestige items and weapons, suggesting that society was increasingly stratified and warlike.

From around 2,500 BC, the stone toolkit was augmented by the use of copper, later combined with tin to make bronze, changing the structure of society. In late Bronze Age Ireland, the use of metal reached a high point, with the production of high quality decorated weapons, ornaments and instruments, of gold as well as bronze. The Bronze Age movement towards single burial can be seen in the area surrounding the subject site where examples of small stone-lined chambers called cists have been found at Binghamstown, Carn, Cross and Tonamace.

Wedge tombs, the latest of the megalithic tombs, are found in west Mayo at Glengad, Largan Beg, Belderg More, Lettera and Castlehill, although burial in hilltop cairns are also common. An unspecified possible megalithic structure is also recorded at Gladree. Some standing stones were erected in the Neolithic period but most are thought to have been Bronze Age features, perhaps put up as markers for some kind of ritual associated with their location or astronomical alignment. Other stone monuments found are standing stones. These are generally thought to be territorial markers but they have also been known to mark burial plots. There is a standing stone located at Binghamstown, Macecrump/Tonnamace stone.

Fulachta fiadh also date from the Bronze Age and several have been found in the vicinity of Belmullet in western Mayo. These enigmatic features are amongst the most common archaeological sites in Ireland. They are often recognised as horseshoe or oval-shaped mounds which, on excavation are found to consist of burnt material, ash and shattered stone. A wooden trough will sometimes survive in the centre, possibly lined with clay or leather, and one or more hearths may be present.

The Iron Age

“Until recently, the Iron Age was known as a ‘dark age’ in Irish prehistory. Knowledge of Iron Age Ireland was largely restricted to an artefact record which was biased towards the north of the country; a limited

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burial record; and’ a small but significant, group of specialised monuments: the so-called Royal sites [e.g. Rathcroghan in Co Roscommon]. However, very little is known of the vernacular culture of the Irish Iron Age, particularly, where and how people lived, the types of houses they built and their industrial activities” (Becker et al., 2008).

The Irish Iron Age culture appeared to have favoured circular post-built houses in small, often unenclosed settlements, such as at Lislackagh in east Mayo. The most definitive sites however tend to be promontory forts. The RMP records that there are two of these located at Annagh, immediately to the north of the proposed cable landfall site L-A. In addition to the two possible promontory forts at the above mentioned site, there are five more of these monuments in the general vicinity and two of these; Annagh Head and Termoncarragh, are large monuments incorporating possible hut sites and a possible gatehouse. The fifth site; Ballymacsherron, has two associated hut sites. The presence of such a concentration of contemporary monuments in the area would appear to indicate that there was an extensive Iron Age population in the area.

Early Christian / Early Medieval Period

The chronological term ‘Early Christian’ is commonly used to refer to the period from about AD 450 to the Anglo-Norman invasion in 1169, though it is being increasingly referred to as the Early Medieval period. Monuments from this period are often the most numerous in the landscape, with tens of thousands in the whole of Ireland. These include ringforts such as raths and cashels, further crannogs and unenclosed settlement sites, ecclesiastical sites and souterrains.

The most plentiful of these are raths; farmsteads enclosed by banks and ditches. Many of the destroyed sites listed as enclosures in the Record of Monuments and Places are probably levelled raths removed by agricultural improvement schemes. Raths are generally circular or oval but vary in size and in the number of enclosing banks and ditches. 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. Cashels are enclosures in rocky upland areas, of similar date and function as raths but with stone-built walls instead of banks and ditches.

From the middle of the sixth century onwards hundreds of small monastic settlements were established around the country. Some examples of well-known early monastic sites in Mayo include Aughagower, Inishmaine, Ballintubber, Errew, Kilmore Erris, Balla, Cong, Killala, Turlough, Moyne near Cross, and island settlements off the Mullet peninsula such as Inishkea North, Inishkea South and Duvillaun More. There are two large religious settlements within 5 km of the subject site. These are Termoncarragh and Macecrump/Tonnamace. Each of the two monuments is recorded as an archaeological complex. Termoncarragh has a church, a graveyard, a front and a cross, whilst Macecrump/Tonnamace appears to

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be an earlier site reoccupied. The RMP records that it has a church, a graveyard, middens, hut sites, a standing stone, a bullaun stone, cist burials and an inscribed pillar stone. Cross abbey, graveyards, church and burials are all located within a radius of 1 km to the west of Landing Option C.

The presence of such a diverse and varied chronology of monuments on the site appears to indicate either continued use of the area or later reuse of previous sites. Either way, it indicates extensive human exploitation of this area.

Later Historic Period

Ancient Erris was a region divided by tribal groups known as tuatha. In Erris the two tribes were known as the Damnonii, and the tribe of Belgae, referred to in the ancient histories as Gamanradaii. Written records of this period are few and far between, though it is believed that some Scottish clans were thought to be involved in the tribal rivalry. Early annals state that Fiachrian O’Caithnaidh was the chief of the Belgae in the late 1100’s and Lord of Erris well into the next century.

The clan of O’Caithnaidh lost power to the O’Dowd clan in the next century, and by the 1380’s the Barrett family had seized power over much of the Erris region. Throughout the next two hundred years, the number of native Gaelic leaders fell as the influence of colonisation was felt, especially in the Mullet Peninsula, a desirable farming area.

Mayo came under Anglo Norman control in 1235. The Norman conquest meant the eclipse of many Gaelic lords and chieftains, chiefly the O'Connors of Connacht, but the invaders soon adopted Gaelic customs and began to marry with the native Irish. This process of Gaelicisation is best exemplified in the adoption by various Norman families and branches of families of new surnames based on Gaelic-style patronyms. Examples of Mayo surnames with Norman origins include Barrett, Burke and Bourke, Costello, Culkin, Cusack, Davitt, Fitzmaurice, Gibbons, Jennings, Joyce, McEvilly, Nally, Padden, Staunton and Walsh. The Normans founded numerous towns, developed some existing settlements into towns, as well as organising fairs and markets. They developed roads, bridges and sea ports and also promoted the growth of trade, both domestic and foreign, as well as improving agricultural methods.

Little is known of the inter-tribal struggles until the late 1500’s, when the Barony of Invermore, by then in the possession of the Barretts and the Bourkes, is mentioned in records. Sir Edmund Barrett was a renowned landlord, especially after he had been knighted by Queen Elizabeth I for services to the crown. The Barrett's power increased further when they received more lands in Erris from King James I, in appreciation for their loyalty to the monarch.

In the later sixteenth century, a large number of these estates were eventually bought by a lawyer called Dermot Cormack. In 1641 a descendant of Cormack’s is recorded to possess a large tract of north

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eastern Erris. Throughout the mid 1600’s much of this land changed hands, often due to the intervention of the new monarch Charles II. However, these changes pale in comparison to the transformation to be brought about by the coming of Oliver Cromwell.

As Cromwell and his forces drove people from the land, especially from the north, their destination often proved to be Connacht, and frequently Erris. The wild and infertile land of Erris was unsuitable for supporting an increasing population, and the people consequently suffered as a result.

Cromwell planned to allot a limited amount of land to selected Catholics, often in proportion to their involvement in the wars of preceding years. Local landowners met in 1635 to survey the estates of land in each barony. These landowners produced detailed information regarding family settlements, mortgages, sales, and purchases. This survey therefore inadvertently produced a comprehensive record, including a series of maps, which was unheard of before this time. They had intended to assign certain lands and baronies to ‘transplanters’ from outside Connacht, or even from outside the country. The final records in Cromwell’s’ time of influence indicate the primary owner of Erris to be the royalist, the Earl of Ormond, although the land had officially been appropriated from him at an earlier time.

The restoration of the monarchy with Charles II ensured the future uncertainty of all previous land arrangements. He restored to Catholics much of the land which had been seized by the Cromwellians. The parish of Kilmore–Erris was given to Sir Robert Viner, a goldsmith from London to whom Charles owed money. Viner quickly sold the land on to Sir James Shaen, Surveyor General of Ireland, and whose family had links with Erris dating back to Queen Elizabeth I. Sir James paid little attention to his new property and when he died in 1695 he left it to his son, Sir Arthur Shaen. Sir Arthur was to show greater interest in his new acquisition and seemed determined to turn Erris into an English colony. He brought over a vicar for the parish, and then gave most of the good land to more Englishmen at a nominal rent. With very few exceptions, he appeared to lease the majority of the properties to non-locals, and in fact, many native inhabitants were evicted to make way for the incomers. Many of the local inhabitants were provoked into rebellion, although this died out after several years.

In 1715 Sir Arthur Shaen began building a small town on a wet and marshy area near ‘The Mullet’ peninsula in the extreme north west of the barony of Erris. To drain this marshy area and create a passage from Blacksod bay into Broadhaven Bay Shaen had a canal excavated which would allow small boats to pass from one bay to the other. A sluice was erected at the Blacksod Bay side to allow traffic to and from the Mullet peninsula to pass along the shore. At a later date a bridge was erected to span the canal. Development of the town proved to be a slow process and by the mid 1700's the canal was in a state of disrepair.

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Sir Arthur eventually became High Sheriff of Mayo and was to live in Shanaghy on the Mullet Peninsula until his death in 1725. He had no son as an heir and left his estate to his two daughters, Frances and Susannach. In 1738 Frances married John Bingham from Newport while Susannach wed Henry Boyle Carter from County Kildare in 1750. The Bingham family moved to the Mullet in the late 1790’s, and were to build a castle at Binghamstown in the early part of the nineteenth century.

The names of Bingam and Carter were to dominate land ownership in the Erris region, and indeed much of Mayo, over the following two hundred years. The land was to slowly return to the native population and in 1955 the people of Belmullet finally bought the town back from a Mr. Carter, a resident of London.

By the early 1800’s Belmullet consisted of just a few thatched buildings and it was not until the 1820’s that any degree of development took place. In 1820 the first post office in the Erris region was opened, while in 1822 the Coastguard was established in the town. This was also the time when the real architect of Belmullet’s growth, William Henry Carter became involved, inheriting much of Shaen’s land in Erris.

Of major importance was the new road between Belmullet and Castlebar, which was completed in 1824. This enabled horse drawn carriages to visit the area for the first time, although there were no hotels or inns for visitors. Tradesmen from all over Mayo were brought in to begin work on developing the infrastructure of Belmullet. Progress over the next few years was more rapid, utilising granite and sandstone from Blacksod to build a number of buildings including the impressive ‘Erris Hotel’ in the town centre.

In 1826, a quay, large enough to accommodate vessels of 100 tons was also built at Belmullet. This helped to accelerate the importation of goods, especially from Britain, which now included tea, sugar, beer, wine, coal and grain.

Belmullet’s development was further strengthened by the introduction of a dispensary and a doctor in 1830. By this time the population of the town had grown to over 500. A Catholic Church was built by subscription in 1832 to serve the growing congregation. Another important development in 1832 was the introduction of a regular postal service to Ballina. Post would be collected daily from the post office and this service also ensured the availability of daily newspapers in Belmullet for the first time. A by product of this growth was the need for a courthouse, which was built in 1833 to hold the weekly court sessions.

By the late 1830’s two important new roads were being constructed, one to Newport, the other to Ballycastle. Also at this time the export of meal to England began and a Protestant church was built in 1843.

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In October 1845 the Government sanctioned a grant of £5,000 to match the total of £4,000 raised locally to facilitate the building of a canal which would unite the Broadhaven and Blacksod Bays. Work on the canal began in 1845 but was it not completed until 1851due to the intervention of the famine. The famine had a particularly devastating effect on the Erris region. A report produced in 1851states that the canal was being used extensively, and also mentions the use of a swivel bridge.

Another development in the 1840’s was the introduction of a fishing station in a bid to exploit the coast’s natural resources. This was opened in 1847 to wash and cure fish and boat building was also carried out here. The station was forced to close due to the fishermen being imprisoned for the theft of flour from a passing ship. This was another by-product of the famine, which was wreaking havoc on the town. Many people starved to death while soldiers guarded tons of meal, some of which was to be sold to the people, some of which was to be exported.

The news of Belmullet’s plight spread far, and as a consequence visitors to the town dried up. A workhouse and fever hospital was urgently needed, and one was quickly erected on the site of the present hospital. The head of the Treasury, Charles Trevelyan, notoriously decreed that relief was to only be given to workhouse people. This had the effect of severely overcrowding the workhouses, with up to 3,000 people being recorded at one time in Belmullet. Throughout the late 1840’s the numbers in the workhouse dropped considerably and by the early 1850’s, when the potato crop became re- established, the population of the workhouse had decreased to several hundred.

5. BASELINE DATA

5.1 Record of Monuments and Places

The RMP is a database recording all archaeological sites in Ireland known to the National Monuments Service established under Section 12 of the 1994 National Monuments (Amendment) Act. It is based on Ordnance Survey 6” sheets, which indicate the location of each monument or place of archaeological interest. For each, a file contains further documentary and photographic data or information relating to an archaeological event such as a site visit, survey or excavation. These are housed in the National Monuments Services in Dublin. The record is constantly updated and focuses on monuments that pre- date 1700. The following sites are in the vicinity of the subject site:

There are a number of RMP sites in the locality of the substation. None of these will be impacted by the development works

The following table has been taken from the overall project assessment and it details RMP numbers and their proximity to project components.

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Closest distance Closest distance to Closest distance Closest distance RMP No to Landfall any component to 50m test area to 100m test area MA:09:05 4.473 Km 2.625 Km 3.697 Km 11.766 Km MA:09:10 4.298 Km 1.726 Km 2.397 Km 10.843 Km MA:09:12 3.815 Km 1.939 Km 3.402 Km 11.845 Km MA:09:13 2.163 Km 1.136 Km 4.188 Km 13.068 Km MA:09:14 2.328 Km 1.171 Km 4.588 Km 13.392 Km MA:09:15 2.637 Km 2.173 Km 5.597 Km 14.369 Km MA:09:16 2.419 Km 2.057 Km 5.803 Km 14.672 Km MA:09:17 1.67 Km 1.452 Km 5.628 Km 14.608 Km MA:09:18 1.69 Km 1.632 Km 5.895 Km 14.931 Km MA:09:20 1.053 Km 1.085 Km 5.776 Km 14.984 Km MA:16:02 4.054 Km 1.650 Km 1.482 Km 10.653 Km MA:16:03 3.641 Km 1.835 Km 1.986 Km 11.209 Km MA:16:04 1.300 Km 1.073 Km 3.837 Km 13.272 Km MA:16:05 0.471 Km 0.353 Km 4.659 Km 14.043 Km MA:16:06 0.260 Km 0.343 Km 4.876 Km 14.243 Km MA:16:07 0.260 Km 0.339 Km 5.143 Km 14.488 Km MA:16:08 1.056 Km 1.221 Km 5.976 Km 15.257 Km MA:16:09 1.102 Km 1.312 Km 6.119 Km 15.492 Km Table 2. Proximity of RMP sites to the proposed development

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Figure 3. Extract from Co. Mayo RMP Sheets 09 & 016 showing site location in red 5.2 The National Museum of Ireland Topographical Files

An examination of the topographical files found that no artefacts were recovered from the subject site. A number of artefacts have been found in the vicinity of the study area. These all relate to the terrestrial component of the development and none refer to the offshore test area locations or offshore cable route:

Reg No: P:1952:23 Monument: Shell Mound Find: Perforated Object (line Sinker) Townland: Inishglora Parish: Kilmore Barony: Erris Co. Mayo

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Purchased from Mr. Patrick Lavelle Annagh, Belmullet Co. Mayo

Townland: Emlybeg South Parish: Kilmore Barony: Erris Co. Mayo 12:5:43 No Record

Reg. No: 1933:744 Monument: Cairn Finds: Skeletal remains, Human Townland: Cross Parish: Kilmore Barony: Erris Co. Mayo Gift from Mr. L.S. Gogan

Reg. No: 1943:143-51 Monument: Midden Finds: 1 Bronze Buckle (143) 2 Bronze rings (144-45) 3 wire bronze pins (146-47) 3 fragments of iron (148-50) 1 fragment of metal (151) Townland: Cross Parish: Kilmore Barony: Erris Co. Mayo Presented by Miss Stacpoole, 50 Fitzwilliam Square, Dublin

Reg. No: 1943:78-83 Monument: Finds: 1 wire pin, bronze (1943:178 5 fragments of iron (1943:179-83)

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Townland: Near Binghamstown (sandhill site) Parish: Kilmore Barony: Erris Co. Mayo Presented by Miss Stacpoole, 50 Fitzwilliam Square, Dublin

Reg. No: 1943:136-42 Monument: Midden Finds: 3 wire pins, bronze (136-8) 2 fragments of Bronze (139-40) 1 fragment of iron (141) 1 fragment of bone (142) Townland: Termoncarragh Parish: Kilmore Barony: Erris Co. Mayo Presented by Miss Stacpoole, 50 Fitzwilliam Square, Dublin Found in Midden south of church in Termoncarragh

Reg. No: 1943:166-77 Monument: Midden Finds: 1 bronze tool (166) 8 wire pins, bronze (167-74) 3 bronze fragments (175-77) Townland: Annagh Parish: Kilmore Barony: Erris Co. Mayo Presented by Miss G. Stacpoole, 50 Fitzwilliam Square, Dublin, Mrs. Rooke and Miss M. Brodigan

Reg. No: 1970:21 Monument: Finds: Saddle Quern Townland: Annagh Parish: Kilmore

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Barony: Erris Co. Mayo Gift of John Gilboy, Annagh, Belmulet, Co. Mayo. Large specimen l 42cm, max width 18cm, used for grinding corn, found within 5m of stones which possibly could be a megalithic tomb- Raferty in his correspondence.

Location: Annagh Year: 1943 Description: 1 bone Tool 8 wire pins-bronze These artefacts were found at Annagh Beach

Location: Annagh Description: Wooden Shaft possible shaft spear Details: Found by Seamus Forde 1980

Location: Annagh Description: Wooden Beetle Details: Found in turf bank by John Kearney1935:429

Location: Annagh Year: 1935:877 Description: Wooden Vessel Details: Found by Jon McGuire 1ft 8ins width 3ftand a half ins in depth perfectly preserved

5.3 Previous Archaeological Fieldwork in the area

The Irish Excavations Database has no record of any previous archaeological fieldwork having taken place in the townlands of Annagh, Ardowen, Ballymacsherron, Binghamstown, Cross, Emlybeg North, Emlybeg South, Macecrump, Termoncarragh or Tonamace. Historic records do however detail that G. Crompton carried out an antiquarian excavation at Tonnmace/Macetrump for Rev. Caesar Otway. These excavations conducted by Crompton in the beginning of the 19th century, examined tombs situated in that area of the sand dunes and seem to have led to the discovery of standing or sitting skeletons.

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5.4 Aerial Photographs

Plate 1. Aerial image of subject site A number of aerial photographic sources were consulted in an attempt to identify any previously unrecorded cultural heritage deposits. These sources included Ordnance Survey Aerial Photographs as well as photos from the Coastline Survey of Ireland (plate 1). The images provided comprehensive views of Belderra Beach and its surrounding area. They did not identify any previously unrecorded cultural heritage deposits or features.

5.5 Cartographic Evidence

The following section considers historic maps of the area with particular reference to the location of potential archaeological features. There were a number of maps produced of the area prior to the first map considered in this section. Most are large scale maps and they have no reference to the subject site. As a result they are not included in the discussion.

A map of the Maritime County of Mayo (1809-1817) by William Bald

This extract of Bald’s map of County Mayo depicts the subject site as an area of sandy beach enclosed by two rocky headlands. The back beach area appears to have a number of small structures but these do

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not appear to be at the proposed landfall area. There were no potential cultural heritage site noted in this map. Whilst it is of use in recording the evolution of townlands and certain topographical features, it is of little benefit with regard to the identification of cultural heritage.

Figure 4. Extract from Bald’s Map of County Mayo 1817

The First Edition Ordnance Survey Map for County Mayo, Sheets MA 09 & 016, Surveyed 1838

This version of the Ordnance survey map is not very descriptive of the subject site. It records it only as a uniform beach with no discernible features. The beach itself is fronted by a similarly non descript back beach area. There were no potential cultural heritage features noted on this map.

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Figure 5. Extract from First Edition Ordnance Survey Map of County Mayo, 1838 Second Edition Ordnance Survey Map of County Mayo, Sheets MA 09 & 016, Surveyed 1900.

The Second Edition Ordnance Survey maps of this area depicts a number of small changes as having taken place in the vicinity of the subject site. The small land plot and buildings, situated in the townland of Ballymacsherron, immediately to the southeast of Belderra Strand, have all been removed. The 1900 edition of the map has no reference to any building cluster in this area. Whilst the second edition map has depicted change in the landform and landscape, it does not record the location of any previously un-recorded cultural heritage.

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Figure 6. Extract from 2 nd Edition Ordnance Survey of Co. Mayo, surveyed 1900

5.6 Inventory of Architectural heritage post 1700 AD

The Mayo County Development Plan 2008-2014 and the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage were consulted with regard to the location of Recorded Protected Structures in this area. None were noted.

5.7 Placename Evidence

Belderra comes from the Irish ‘Beal an Doire ‘meaning the mouth of the wood or oak wood. Ballymacsherron comes from the Irish ‘Baile Mhic Seathruin’ meaning townland of the son of Geoffrey.

6. UNDERWATER ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVEY This section details the results of assessment of the underwater and intertidal area to be impacted by the development. It addresses the subject site, detailing the existing environment, the results of the visual survey, the results of the metal detection survey and the potential for impact of archaeological material in the area.

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6.1 Field Survey Methodology and Strategy

The first component of the assessment was the visual diver assessment. This assessment technique visually inspected the development area for upstanding and slightly submerged archaeological material. Any found is recorded and photographed. The visual survey would also record the condition and state of any partially submerged features which may be present.

The second component was the metal detector survey. It is designed to record the location of any ferrous and non-ferrous metals in the development area. All metal detector contacts were recorded and geo-referenced through the use of a Trimble Geoexplorer GPS. This allowed for the generation of contact distribution patterns and facilitated subsequent relocation.

With regard to the diver survey, it was necessary to survey an area considerably larger than the immediate impact zone of the development to ensure the protection of all archaeological material in the area. To this regard, it was necessary to survey the outlying areas of the proposed development thus ensuring the protection of any archaeological material from secondary impact.

The dive search methodology comprised a series of eleven linear line searches. A weighted line was placed along these parallel lines, spaced at 10m intervals. The lines were centred on the centreline of the proposed cable and covered 55m either side of the centreline. They extended from below the Low Water Mark to a point past the crossover point between the diver survey and the marine geophysical survey, this was in water depths of 3.2m. The lines were buoyed on both ends and measured 220m in length. The area above the Low Water Mark, was visually inspected and metal detected.

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Plate 2. Dive Survey Grid 6.2 Site Conditions

The site survey was undertaken 20 th and 21 st of September 2010. Weather conditions were good at this time, with a calm sea and good visibility. The survey started at Belderra beach and continued to past the crossover point between the diver survey and the marine geophysical survey.

6.3 Dive Team

The archaeological dive team comprised a team of four, these were: Eoghan Kieran, Jamie Lewis, David Freebourne and Benen Hayden. The team responsibilities consisted of a senior archaeologist/dive supervisor, two archaeological divers and a dive tender.

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6.4 Underwater Survey

A previously prepared archaeological desktop assessment concluded that that area was a very dynamic stretch of coastline. It noted that there were no recorded historic shipwrecks for this area and that if any associated shipwreck archaeology was uncovered, it would most likely comprise isolated artefacts.

The assessment did however note that there may be possibility of submerged palaeo-landscapes in this area. Similar landscapes had been found in other nearby parts of the Mayo Coast and so there is the possibility that such remains could be uncovered by the development works. The diver survey recorded that the seabed in the area of the proposed nearshore cable route was comprised mainly of rippled sandy shallows. The seabed was composed almost exclusively of medium grained sand, which was rippled in a northwest – south east orientation. The ripples measured from 0.1- 0.2m in height and had occasional areas of free floating weed. Areas of bedrock outcrop were noted at the outer edges of the survey zone at both Ballymacsherron Promontory and Cross. These were intensively investigated and they did not contain any archaeological remains. The metal detector survey recorded the presence of eleven metallic contacts, none of these were visible on the seafloor. The survey did not record the presence of any visible or detectable archaeological remains along the submarine section of the nearshore landfall route.

Plate 3. View of Survey Area

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Plate 4. View of typical underwater substrate 6.5 Intertidal Survey

The intertidal zone at the landfall comprised the central section of the flat dissipative beach of Belderra. Similar to the underwater section of the survey, the beach in this area was comprised of medium grained sand which had small linear ripples in the lower beach area. The central beach area was comprised of mixed medium and fine grained sand, whilst the back beach area consisted of more fine grained sand, storm beach cobbles and typical back-beach flotsam and jetsam.

A number of drainage courses were noted in the back beach area. These appear to have been created to allow water drain from nearby agricultural land onto the beach. They ranged in form from concrete lined culverts to sand cut trenches. All were examined to see if the provided any evidence for the presence of eroding archaeological material or previous habitation horizons. None demonstrated the presence of any of these features.

There was a large quantity of flotsam and jetsam on the back beach area. This ranged in form from broken plastics to old rope and timber. All the flotsam overlay the cobbled back beach and none was considered to be of archaeological significance.

The metal detector survey of the intertidal zone recorded 87 metallic contacts. Most of these were recorded in the back beach area and none were seen to be of archaeological significance

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Plate 5. View of Ballymacsherron Promontory

Plate 6. View of back beach area

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Plate 7. View of drain in back beach area

7 RESULTS

Desktop analysis of the historical, archaeological and cartographic sources relating to the proposed development indicated that the area surrounding the subject site was of considerable historic and archaeological significance. It concluded that although there were no recorded historic shipwrecks for this area and that if associated shipwreck archaeology was uncovered, it would most likely comprise isolated artefacts. The desktop assessment did note however that there may be possibility of submerged palaeo-landscapes in this area. Similar landscapes had been found in other parts of the Mayo Coast and so there is the possibility that such remains could be uncovered at Belderra.

The diver survey recorded the presence of a uniformly rippled seafloor with no visible archaeological material. The intertidal survey recorded a varied beach structure, which had a defined back beach area comprising of storm beach cobbles, flotsam and jetsam. No archaeological material was noted on the intertidal zone.

8 DISCUSSION

8.1 Discussion

8.1.1 The Development Area

Belderra Beach is located on the western side of the Belmullet Peninsula. It comprises a westerly facing flat sandy dissipative beach which is sandwiched to the north and the south by Cross and Ballymacsherron Headlands. Both headlands are very significant in terms of their archaeological and

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historical heritage. Belderra beach is flanked to the east by pastureland which drains on to the beach. Access to the beach is provided by a second class road, the L5233 which runs almost parallel to the beach.

8.2 Assessment of Potential Impacts This section is designed to addresses the potential impacts of the development on each component section.

Direct Impacts

The assessment recorded that there were no visible archaeological features or deposits. Notwithstanding this, the area is of high archaeological potential, with the possibility that submerged archaeological deposits or features may be present. Should the development proceed and impact archaeology, it will have a direct and negative impact on the material.

‘Do nothing’ impact

If the proposed development were not to proceed there would be no negative impact on the archaeological or cultural heritage resource.

‘Worst case’ impact

Under a worst-case scenario, development works may have a permanent and negative impact on any archaeological material, which may be contained within the development zone.

9 RECOMMENDATIONS

Based on the results of the assessment it would appear that the subject site is of high archaeological potential. Although there are no visible archaeological deposits on the route, the development technique involves the excavation of seabed material. Consequently, there is potential that submerged remains may be impacted. In light of this, it is recommended that all invasive works associated with the landfall operations be monitored by a suitably qualified archaeologist.

Please note that all recommendations above are subject to approval by the Planning and Heritage Section of the Department of the Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.

Please note that this report and accompanying recommendations are based on maps provided at the time of writing. Should changes be made, further assessment may be necessary.

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10 BIBLIOGRAPHY

BENCE-JONES, M. (1978) Burke’s Guide to Country Houses, Volume 1, Ireland.

DELANY, R. (1986) Ireland’s Inland Waterways. Appletree Press, Belfast.

LEWIS, S. (1837) Topographical Dictionary of Ireland, London.

TAYLOR, G & SKINNER, A. (1783) (reprinted 1969) Maps of the Roads of Ireland,

10.1 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. Govt. 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 Mayo .

EPA, 1995. Advise notes on current practice in the preparation of Environmental Impact Statements. Dublin.

National Monuments Acts 1930-1994.

National Museum of Ireland. Topographical files, County Mayo .

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APPENDIX 1 – LEGISLATIVE BACKGROUND

The 1992 European Convention on the Protection of Archaeological Heritage was ratified by Ireland in 1997. The convention provides the basic framework for policy on the protection of the archaeological heritage. In summary, the obligations on the state under the convention relate to
providing statutory protection measures
authorisation and supervision of archaeological activities
measures for the physical protection of the archaeological heritage
providing consultation between archaeologists and planners
providing financial support for research or rescue archaeology
facilitating the study of archaeological discoveries by making or bringing up to date maps, surveys and inventories of archaeological sites
facilitating national and international exchanges of elements of the archaeological heritage for scientific purposes
educating the public in relation to the value of and threat to the archaeological heritage
preventing the illicit circulation of elements of the archaeological heritage
providing for the exchange of information and experts on the archaeological heritage between states party to the convention.

Irish Legislation

Irish legislation for the protection of archaeological heritage is based on the National Monuments Acts 1930-2004. This is in accordance with the Valletta Convention (as above). The Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands has a specific role in relation to the protection of the archaeological heritage through powers provided by these acts and the National Cultural Institutions Act 1997. The overall state archaeological service is provided by the Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands (DAHGI) and delivered through the Planning and Heritage Section of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the National Museum of Ireland (Irish Antiquities Division) on behalf of the minister.

The National Monuments Acts secure the archaeological heritage in several key areas
The Protection of Archaeological Monuments and Areas

Section 2 of the 1930 Act (as amended) provides that ‘monument’ includes any artificial building or structure, cave, stone or any natural object that has been altered or moved into purposefully put in position, any prehistoric tomb, grave or burial or any ritual, industrial or habitation site or any traces of the above. the Planning and Heritage Section of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government advises the Minister on the protection of archaeological monuments and places. There are a number of mechanisms which can be applied to secure the protection of archaeological monuments and areas.

The Record of Monuments and Places – a list and maps of monuments and relevant places in each county maintained and updated by The Planning and Heritage Section of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Monuments entered into it are referred to as Recorded Monuments. Owners or occupiers of Recorded Monuments are required to give two months notice to the Minister and obtain consent before carrying out any works in relation to the monument.

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The Register of Historic Monuments – a list of all historic monuments known to the Minister. Owners or occupiers must not, other than with consent, alter, deface, demolish or in any manner interfere with a historic monument entered in the register.
Preservation Orders and Temporary Preservation Orders. – Where it appears to the minister that a monument, considered to be a national monument, is in danger or is actually being destroyed or falling into decay the minister may by preservation order or temporary preservation order, undertake the preservation of the monument. A temporary preservation order will remain in force for six months and then expire.

The Protection of Archaeological objects

Section 2 of the 1930 Act (amended) defines an archaeological object as (in summary) any chattel in a manufactured or partly manufactured state or an unmanufactured state but with an archaeological or historical association. This includes ancient human, animal or plant remains. The National Museum of Ireland advises the Minister on the protection of archaeological objects. The National Monuments Acts state the following regarding the archaeological objects. Archaeological objects must not be altered by any person unless issued with a licence to do so by the Minister. This includes cleaning, restoring, sampling, cutting or drilling. No archaeological object found after 1930 may be purchased or otherwise acquired or sold unless designated by the director of the Museum. It is unlawful to export or attempt to export archaeological objects other than with an export licence.

The Control of Archaeological Excavation

It is unlawful for any person to dig or excavate in or under any land for the purpose of searching for archaeological objects or particular structure or thing of archaeological interest known or believed to be under such land unless issued with, or in accordance with a licence issued by the Minister. The Planning and Heritage Section of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, in consultation with the National Museum, advises the Minister on the issuing of licences. In practice, for a person to be issued with a licence to excavate, he or she will have to be considered eligible to hold one. This is generally determined by interview.

The Control of Detection Devices

Section 2 of the 1987 Act defines a detecting device as a device designed or adapted for detecting or locating any metal or mineral on the ground and under water. This does not include a camera. It is unlawful to use or be in possession of such a device
At the site of a monument subject to a preservation order
A monument in the ownership or guardianship of the Minister
A monument entered in the Record of Monuments and Places
A monument entered in the Register of Historic Monuments

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APPENDIX 2: Impact Assessment & the Archaeological Resource

Procedures relating to the carrying out of Cultural Heritage section of EISs.

Archaeological assessment has been described as “the overall process of assessing the impact of a development” (DAHGI, 1999). The principle aim of assessment is to anticipate and avoid impacts on the archaeological resource. Archaeological assessment may be required as part of the planning process in response to developments which may be located in the vicinity of archaeological monuments, which are extensive in terms of area or length, which are likely to have a substantial impact on present or former wetlands, unenclosed land, rivers, lakes, the inter-tidal zone or the sea-bed (The Heritage Council. 2000).

Impact Assessment and Archaeology.

Archaeological monuments can comprise identifiable above ground features or subterranean traces of previous activity. These monuments can be affected in the course of development in a number of ways. Potential impacts can be identified through the assessment procedure by carrying out a paper study/historical research. The documentary research can then be combined with existing baseline data, field assessment and non-intrusive methods to provide a pre-development risk appraisal study for developers. Further investigation or mitigation measures may subsequently be recommended prior to and during the course of construction work. Sources used by archaeologists show considerable variation (The Heritage Council, 2000). A number of primary baseline data sources and procedures must be considered.

Examination of the sources and the undertaking of the above procedures can result in a detailed statement of the possible impacts on the archaeological resource of a proposed development and set out recommendations as how the impact can be avoided, minimized or negated. By ensuring the earliest identification of the archaeological impacts of a development these impacts can be minimized or avoided, thus reducing costs and/or delays.

Direct and indirect impacts resulting from the proposed development on the archaeological resource should be described and considered. This section of the cultural impact assessment should address the results of disturbance by excavation or deposition, topsoil stripping or passage of machinery and subsequent physical loss to a monument or its setting, desiccation of archaeological objects or remains due to groundwater level changes, visual impacts and visual amenity impact.

Mitigation strategies and Archaeology

Although it is not always possible to detect archaeological sites prior to construction works, it is important to investigate the potential impacts at the earliest phase of development, if possible during site selection. The ideal mitigation for archaeological sites is avoidance/preservation in situ . This is, however, not always possible. If the risk of disturbing archaeological remains is considered minimal, no further archaeological work (other than monitoring of construction work) may be recommended. Recommendations in the impact statement can be offered as mitigation measures should preservation in situ prove impractical or impossible. These are as follows:

Archaeological Test Trenching. Test excavation has been defined as that form of archaeological excavation where the purpose is to establish the nature and extent of archaeological deposits and features present in a location which it is proposed to develop (though not normally to fully investigate those deposits or features) and allow an assessment to be made of the archaeological impact of the proposed development (DAHGI, 1999).

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• Full Archaeological Excavation. Archaeological excavation has been described as being carried out in order to “mitigate the impact of development on archaeological deposits, features and objects through scientific recording … resulting in preservation by record …” (DAHGI, 1999). • Archaeological Monitoring. Archaeological monitoring has been described as "involving an archaeologist being present in the course of the carrying out of development works (which may include conservation works), so as to identify and protect archaeological deposits, features or objects which may be uncovered or otherwise affected by the works" (DAHGI , 1999).

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