Newport Sewerage Scheme Environmental Impact Statement
3.8 CULTURAL HERITAGE
3.8.1 INTRODUCTION
3.8.1.1 This chapter of the Environmental Impact Statement describes the Cultural Heritage in the existing environment surrounding the proposed development and is divided into the following sub-sections;
3.8 CULTURAL HERITAGE
3.8.1 INTRODUCTION
3.8.2 METHODOLOGY - General - On-Shore Assessment - Off-Shore Assessment - Impact Assessment Methodology
3.8.3 EXISTING ENVIRONMENT - Historical Overview: Newport Town - Historical Overview: The Townlands and Islands - On-Shore Assessment - Off-Shore/Inter-Tidal Assessment
3.8.4 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS - Construction and Operational Phase Impacts - ‘Worst Case Scenario’ Impact - ‘Do-Nothing’ Impact
3.8.5 MITIGATION MEASURES - Construction and Operational Phases
3.8.6 RESIDUAL IMPACTS
3.8.1.2 ÆGIS Archaeology Limited were commissioned to conduct a Cultural Heritage Assessment in September/October 2004 as part of the EIS for the proposed development in Newport. The study included both the proposed development area and the surrounding (on-shore and offshore) environs. The objective of the assessment was to examine the potential impact on the archaeological, architectural and cultural heritage For inspection due to purposes the only. proposed development and to identify mitigation Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. measures where necessary. The report includes a catalogue of known archaeological sites and features in the area and ship wreck data for the region. A copy of the specialist report is included in Volume III of this statement as Appendix 8- Archaeological Impact Assessment .
3.8.1.3 At the request of the Maritime Unit of the National Monuments Section of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, a preliminary archaeological assessment of the route of the proposed pipeline between Derrinumera landfill and the proposed Newport waste water treatment plant was also undertaken. This assessment is included in the environmental impact statement which was prepared to accompany the waste licence review application for Derrinumera landfill.
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3.8.2 METHODOLOGY
General
3.8.2.1 The cultural heritage assessment comprised of a desk based study and a field assessment of the study area of the on-shore and off-shore elements of the proposed development. A meeting was conducted with the Maritime Unit of the National Monuments Section of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in September 2004 to agree the scope of the assessment.
On-Shore Assessment
3.8.2.2 The on-shore assessment comprised a desk based study and a field assessment of the area. The desk based study comprised of:
• The Recorded Monuments and Places (RMP) constraint maps and accompanying lists were consulted;
• Where available the Archaeological Survey of Ireland SMR was consulted for each location;
• A range of general histories and archaeological books relating to each site were consulted;
• Cartographic sources were used, mainly the RMP and the supplied maps from the client, as well as the first edition six inch maps (dated to c. 1840);
• Pipe-line location maps;
• Previous archaeological works at each site were assessed as an indication of the potential archaeology of that site (where applicable);
• Infra-red Aerial photographs were analysed for the sewerage scheme routes (National Coastline Survey, Marine Institute)
3.8.2.3 The on-shore field assessment comprised of:
• The pipelines were walked by a qualified archaeologist in September/October 2004;
• The proposed pumping For station inspection sites purposes and only.the inter-tidal area was inspected; and Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.
• The islands were visited in October 2004.
3.8.2.4 None of the study area has been subject to an Archaeology Urban Survey nor is there a published inventory of archaeological monuments for the county, as there are for other counties. The main texts used in the area histories were the O’Donovan Letters and Name books, a record of the townland and parish names for the county with brief accounts on the most notable antiquities of the area ( c. 1840), The Shell Guide to Ireland (Killanin and Duignan 1967), a comprehensive gazetteer of Irish village and towns, and The Topographical Dictionary of Ireland , an excellent account of the main towns and all the counties of Ireland, as they stood in the early 1800s (Lewis 1837).
3.8.2.5 Other sources used to determine the cultural heritage value of the areas were the Record of Monuments and Places or RMP and the accompanying list of sites (Archaeological Survey of Ireland 1997). The information from these sources has been tabularised. The Archaeological Survey of Ireland retains files on each RMP site known as the SMR. These were also consulted. The National Museum of Ireland files, known as the Topographical Files were also checked to identify archaeological artefact sites that may be on or near the proposed pipe routes.
3.8.2.6 The yearly Excavations Bulletin , which summarises licensed archaeological work in the country, by county (Bennett, various dates) was checked for up-to-date information on recent archaeological discoveries in each of the locations in the study group. Excavation summaries for the years 1996- 2002 inclusive were included. None of the locations were included in the Bulletin for those years.
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3.8.2.7 The files of the Archaeological Survey of Ireland, held by the National Monuments Section, DOEHLG, and the Topographical Files housed in the National Museum of Ireland were examined. Low-level infrared aerial photographs from the National Coastline Survey were also studied.
Off-Shore Assessment
3.8.2.8 The offshore study in addition to the above, comprised a desk based examination of:
• The Maritime Archaeology Survey for the Newport area was consulted (Archaeological Survey of Ireland Maritime Unit) in order to undertake a paper survey of the area near the sea.
Impact Assessment Methodology
3.8.2.9 The impact assessment methodology utilised is based on the Environmental Protection Agency publication Guidelines on the Information to be Contained in Environmental Impact Statements, March 2002 . As per these guidelines, all impacts have been described in a systematic and comprehensive manner involving a description of each of the predicted impacts based on the following criteria;
• Character; • Magnitude; • Duration; • Consequences; • Significance; and • Certainty.
3.8.3 EXISTING ENVIRONMENT
Historical Overview – Newport Town
3.8.3.1 Newport is a village near the northeast corner of Clew Bay, 11 kilometres north of Westport and 20 kilometres west of Castlebar. The town is called Newport Pratt in William Seward’s Toponomia Hibernica in 1795, based on the former Treasury official, who founded the town early in the eighteenth century. The older form of the Irish name was Baile Ó bhFiachán, which appears in the Senchus Búrcach in c. 1578, and in anglicised form as Ballyovighan in the Calendar of Ormond Deeds in 1576. No town existed at Balleveghane until the early eighteenth century, when Mr. Pratt, the former treasury official, acquired the lease and began to develop the town on the present site of For inspection purposes only. Newport. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.
3.8.3.2 The old town and pier were at Burrishoole, by the Dominican Abbey. Pratt set about introducing a colony of Quakers to the area. However by the 1720s the Quakers were having difficulty making ends meet, and by 1756 the community considered leaving the area. Some of the eighteenth century houses remain on Medlicott Street today.
3.8.3.3 The site of the town was chosen by Captain Pratt because of its green field nature and its potential for shipping. Though subject to tidal influences, the quay can provide up to 4.5 metres of water, enough for 18th century trading ships of 500 tonnes or less. The town prospered in the 18th century. Houses were built, churches flourished, and trade was brisk. The Society of Friends were among the first inhabitants, though no trace of them remains today. Catholics, Protestants, Presbyterians and Methodists all had churches in the town. In the mid 18th century, the Land Agent, James Moore, controlled the town and its hinterland. He was a successful businessman who encouraged building and trade. By the late 18th century the O’Donel family had acquired the Medlycot estate, and built Newport House, overlooking the harbour from the north side.
3.8.3.4 Newport, or Newport-Pratt has been described as a market and post town. It is situated at the extremity of Clew Bay and was the original port of discharge for the county of Mayo. The river Beltra flows into the bay and the Burrishoole River also flows through the parish. In 1837, the town consisted of one principal street and several others, containing about 230 houses. The trade in the area was formally very extensive, however today much of the trade has been transferred to Westport. The 19th century saw the town and the surrounding district’s population explode to over 12,000 B8838-N-R-09-B FINAL 148
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people before famine left a shattered community, emigration or starvation. After the famine, one man, Martin Carey, began to develop trade and industry in the town again. Many of the buildings that remain in the town to this day were funded and constructed by the Carey family. Martin Carey provided over half the costs of the beautiful St. Patrick’s Church located in Newport.
3.8.3.5 Three miles from the site of Newport town, located on the sea shore is the tower of Carraigahooley, also known as Rockfleet Castle, which is believed to have been built by Grace O’Malley (Grainne- Uile). Grainne-Uile had a close relationship with the sea and is noted for the looting of passing ships and the harbouring of Spaniards after the Spanish Armada in 1578. It is thought that she died in the castle in 1603.
3.8.3.6 Two miles to the northwest of Newport lay the ruins of Burrishoole Abbey, a National Monument, a Dominican Friary founded by Richard De Burca. The abbey is situated at the edge of a quiet tidal estuary. The abbey was built in 1486 and eventually fell to ruin in 1793 when the roof caved in. The Abbey at Burrishoole was always considered to be a hallowed burial place among the local clans. The oldest inscribed tomb within the Abbey is the O Kelly altar tomb with a Latin inscription dated 1623. Also reposing within the Abbey is Peregrine O Cleirigh, one of the Four Masters.
3.8.3.7 The centre piece of Newport, the railway viaduct that once carried steam trains through Newport on their way to Achill, is now preserved as a walkway. It spans the Blackoak River, contains seven arches and cost £7,640 to build. The first train crossed the bridge in February 1894, and it was finally closed in September 1937. The viaduct is constructed of local red sandstone with some limestone facings. It formed part of the rail line that was constructed during the 1800’s to connect Westport to Achill Island.
Historical Overview – The Townlands and Islands
3.8.3.8 The Ordnance Survey Name Books and Letters (1838) for Mayo were examined and the following information was available for the relevant Townlands;
• Barrackhill - translated as Cnoc na mBearraics , (presumable hill of the barracks). The townland is the property of Sir Richard O’Donnell, the soil is lime and free stone nature. Lakes Camcloon and Bleachyard are in this townland, and also a Corn and Tuck mill.
• Carrowbaun - translated as Ceathramadh Bán , the white quarter. The townland is the property of Sir Richard O’Donnell. A national school was established here in 1832, and a female school was established at the same time. Two other schools were opened in 1798 by the Reverend Vesey. For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.
• Caulikaun - translated as Calachán , the little harbour. The townland is the property of Sir William Palmer. The soil produces potatoes, corn, barley and flax.
• Derryloughan Beg - translated as Doire Locháin , oakwood of the pool. The townland is the property of Sir Richard O’Donnell, and produces potatoes, corn and barley and flax.
• Derryloughan More - translated as Doire Locháin , oakwood of the pool. The townland is the property of Sir Richard O’Donnell, the soil is light mountain and produces potatoes, corn and barley.
• Knockaveely Glebe - translated as Cnoc a Mhíle , hill of the mile, or also hill of the champion/warrior. It is Glebe land, producing corn, potatoes, barley and mangle-wurzels. There is also the ruins of a Glebe House, two stories high, and graveyard and ruins o an old church.
• Lisduff - translated as Lios Dubh , the black fort. The townland is the property of Sir William Palmer. The soil produces potatoes, corn and barley. There are five houses on it, all of bad description. There is an ancient fort on its eastern boundary.
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• Milcum - translated as Ros na mBráthar , point of the land of the friars. The townland produces potatoes, oats and rye.
• Mullaun - translated as Mulán , the small summit. The townland is the property of Sir Richard O’Donnell, and produces potatoes, corn and barley and flax.
• Rosmore - translated as Ros More , a great point of land. The townland is the property of Sir Richard O’Donnell, all cultivated, and has on it nine or ten poor little houses.
• Sandymount - translated as Sliabh Gainnimhe , (presumably sandy hill). The townland is the property of Sir Richard O’Donnell, and produces potatoes, corn and barley and flax. Limestone is burned on the land for manure and building. There are saltpans in this townland, and on the western boundary there is an ancient fort.
• Inishdaweel - translated as Inis Dá Mhaol , island of the two hornless cows. The island is the property of Sir William Palmer, all arable land. The soil is light and stony. There are no houses on it.
• Muckinish - translated as Muic Inis , pig island. The island is the property of Sir William Palmer, all arable land. It is used as a stock farm. There are no houses on it.
On-Shore Assessment
Field Assessment
General
3.8.3.9 The on-shore field assessment comprised the walking of the proposed pipelines by a qualified archaeologist. A number of areas in Newport have been identified for future residential development requiring new sewers and modifications to the existing system, as a result a number of pipeline routes have been provided. All drainage systems were examined for cultural heritage value. The majority of the proposed pipelines will be laid along existing streets and roadways.
3.8.3.10 One of the suggested gravity sewer routes (Section G-Quay Road) will run through a zone of potential archaeological monument MA068-013 (classified as an Enclosure under the RMP). The location of this monument is depicted on Figure 3.8.1 – Cultural Heritage RMP Sites . This monument is contained within For the inspection higher purposes grounds only. of Newport House. No remains of the site are Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. visible however it is likely that any sub-surface remains would be negatively impacted upon should the gravity sewer take this route.
3.8.3.11 Section A (Medlicott Street) will run to the immediate south side of the zone of potential for archaeological monument MA068-014 (classified as ecclesiastical remains, church, and graveyard under RMP). However the archaeological site is at the bottom of a steep hill and will not be impacted upon by this route option.
3.8.3.12 No other archaeological monument or site will be impacted by the route of the pipeline along the roads and streets.
3.8.3.13 The proposed waste water treatment plant is to be located in a small promontory in the townland of Caulicaun. No archaeological features were noted at this location however there is a possibility that sub-surface features exist here.
3.8.3.14 The outfall is routed to the west of the plant through a short stretch of inter-tidal zone. Approximately 200m to the west of the proposed waste water treatment plant is RMP MA067-037 (enclosure and possible hut site). The location of this monument is depicted on Figure 3.8.1 – Cultural Heritage RMP Sites . The outfall will run to the immediate north of this RMP site. The site is completely overgrown with scrub. The outfall will then carry on to the west-north west where it will pass through two fields which are currently used for grazing. There are no known archaeological features noted in these fields. The proposed pipeline will then move along the southern side of Rosmore townland and follow the peninsula in a north west direction to where it B8838-N-R-09-B FINAL 150
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will eventually discharge on the northern side of Rosmore peninsula. There are no known archaeological features noted along this route or along the route of the proposed primary storm water overflow pipeline.
Desk-Based Assessment
3.8.3.15 The followings are the archaeological details relating to Newport. It has not been subject to an Archaeology Urban Survey, but has several archaeological sites in its vicinity. They are:
Table 3.8.1: RMP and list information for Newport
Monument No. National Grid Townland Classification (from RMP) MA067-026 9423/29471 Ardagh Enclosure MA067-028 9479/29490 Knockboy Enclosure MA067-037 9738/29424 Lisduff Enclosure, possible hut site MA067-038 9611/29348 Milcum Enclosure MA067-039 9634/29294 Knockeeragh Enclosure MA067-040 9758/29347 Teevmore/Sandymount Enclosure MA067-041 9763/29316 Teevmore Earthwork , possible MA067-061 9481/29382 Rosmore Enclosure, posssible MA067-062 9596/29296 Knockeeragh Earthwork MA068-009 9816/29507 Derryloughan More Enclosure, souterrain MA068-010 9815/29407 Derryloughan More Monument MA068-011 9826/29487 Knocknageeha Monument MA068-012 9850/29490 Derryloughan More Crannog, possible MA068-013 9789/29389 Newport Enclosure MA068-014 9911/29389 Knockaveely Glebe Ecclesiastical remains, church, graveyard MA068-027 9920/29431 Barrackhill Earthwork, possible
For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.
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Table 3.8.2: Archaeological Survey of Ireland information on Sites in the vicinity of the proposed Pipeline (SMR)
RMP Number Townland Type Description MA067-037 Lisduff Enclosure Surveyed by Liam Price. Well preserved, two banks and fosse. Not complete on E side. Not completely circular, rectangular with rounded corners. In interior is a hollow filled with rushes MA067-038 Milcum Enclosure Marked on 1 st Edition Map MA067-061 Rosmore Possible Noted on aerial photo-no date . Enclosure MA068-001 Claggaranagh Enclosure OPW field notes in file, 1997-a rath situated on a prominent drumlin hill. A 27.3m wide area is enclosed by an earth and stone bank. A 2.80m wide causeway across the fosse represents the entrance MA068-002 Ballyteige Ecclesiastical Marked on the 1st edition map, and on the 3 rd Edition (1920) as “Annabeggaun Grave Yard”. OPW field notes in file, 1997 did not find ‘any indication of a church or other features’. MA068-003 Ballyteige Enclosure OPW field notes 1997- a rath, with a low earthen bank, levelled at NNW to N to SSE. An infilled fosse was also noted at SSW, while a circular depression occurs in the interior. The site is divided by a field boundary. MA068-004 Ballyteige Enclosure OPW field notes, 1997- this is a natural hillock MA068-009 Derryloughan For inspection Enclosure purposes only. and OPW field notes 1997-this site Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. More souterrain has been levelled MA068-010 Derryloughan Monument OPW field notes 1997-no trace More near railway line MA068-011 Knocknageeha Monument OPW field notes 1997-no trace near railway line MA068-012 Derryloughan Crannog possible OPW field notes 1997-not More visited MA068-013 Newport Enclosure OPW field notes 1997-no remains visible MA068-014 Knockaveely Ecclesiastical OPW field notes 1997-Church Glebe remains and 18 th /19 th century headstones extant MA068-015 Kilbride Find Spot Later Bronze Age Hoard. No trace on ground MA068-027 Barrackhill Possible Noted on aerial photo. OPW Earthwork field notes 1997- not visible on ground
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Table 3.8.3: List of finds from Townlands in the Vicinity (National Museum of Ireland Topographical Files)
Townland Find Description Newport Bronze palstave 1933: 570; copper hammer head 1929: 1353 Kilbride Later Bronze Age hoard Muckanagh Wooden bowl 1977: 2173 Derryloughan More Bog butter with wooden container
Off-Shore/Intertidal Assessment
Field Assessment
Outfall Option A- North of Rosmore
3.8.3.16 The proposed location for outfall option A is under a gravel beach to a sub-tidal diffuser in the Burrishoole Channel. At the time of the site visit at low tide it was possible to examine 25.0m long area into the inter-tidal zone. The surrounding area was also examined, up to 100m on either side of the proposed outfall area. A series of posts of modern origin, some of which were old railway sleepers, were noted approximately 60.0m to the east of the outfall area. No archaeological features were noted in the area.
Storm Water Overflow – South of Caulicaun
3.8.3.17 The proposed storm water overflow is an area of mud flats and rock outcrop. The site was visited at low tide whereby it was possible to examine 100.0m long area into the inter-tidal zone. No archaeological features were noted.
Pipe Crossing between Caulicaun and Lisduff
3.8.3.18 The proposed pipe from the treatment plant is indicated as being routed across a narrow stretch of inter-tidal zone between Caulicaun and Lisduff, on the immediate northern side of Lisduff Fort. The intertidal area was examined at low tide and no archaeological features were noted.
Outfall Option B – Intertidal Area to South of Rosmore Point
3.8.3.19 The inter-tidal zone in this area consists of a gravel beach towards the western end of the peninsula, and mud flats and rock towards For the inspection landward purposes side. only. At the time of the site visit at low tide it was Consent of copyright owner required for any other use. possible to examine 25.0m long area into the inter-tidal zone. A series of posts, of modern origin, were noted. No archaeological features were noted. However it is important to note that the area is called ‘bullaun ’ on the Ordnance Survey six inch map, and O’Donovan also records this fact in the Ordnance Survey Name Books in 1838, translating the name as ‘a well in a rock’.
Outfall Option B – Rosmore Point to the Islands (Inishdaweel and Muckinish)
3.8.3.20 The outfall B pipeline runs along Rosmore Point and follows an existing trackway, which runs almost to the western tip of the point. An archaeological site is marked on this tip, MA067-061 ---, a possible enclosure. The location of this monument is depicted on Figure 3.8.1 – Cultural Heritage RMP Sites . This walkover identified a cairn/mound at the highest point. A high proportion of stone was noted in its make up. While it appeared from analysis of the accompanying aerial photograph that this may have been enclosed by an outer bank, this was not visible on the ground. A previously unrecorded mound on Inishdaweel is visible to the west.
The Islands
3.8.3.21 The intertidal zone of Inishdaweel Island was examined at low tide. An area of strand occurs on the eastern side of the island, while gravel beach encircles the island on the other sides. No archaeological features were noted in the inter-tidal zone. At the highest point of the island a previously unidentified mound/cairn was noted. This is a circular mound of earth, with some stone, measuring 10.0m in diameter. This site allows superb views in all directions. The mound on Rosmore Point is clearly visible to the east. No other features of an archaeological nature were B8838-N-R-09-B FINAL 153
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noted. The island of Muckinish was visited, and the inter-tidal zone examined. No archaeological features were noted in the inter-tidal zone. Traces of old field boundaries are in evidence on the island itself, while old cultivation ridges are visible at the centre and northern sides of the island. Traces of a possible house were noted on the western side of the island. No features of archaeological merit were noted.
Desk-Based Assessment
3.8.3.22 Due to the site’s proximity to the sea and the proposed position of the outfall pipe in the inter-tidal zone at Newport, a desk-based study was undertaken of the Maritime SMR. The results of this study are presented overleaf in Table 3.8.4.
Table 3.8.4: List of Shipwrecks found off the coast of Newport/ Clew Bay (Maritime SMR)
Site Name Date of Loss Place of Loss Allen 4 Jan. 1811 near Westport Catherine 5 Feb. 1822 near Westport Catharine / 19 Nov. 1822 Clew Bay Catherine Charles Stuart June 1928 between Island Mór and the channel between Inisgort and Parnell Collanbeg, Ilanmore Harbour, Westport Bay Chio 24 Jan. 1852 Culleen Island, Clew Bay Creteboom 22 Sept. 1937 Mayo Position 54 08 08.5N, 009 08 15.0W Eliza 13 Nov. 1847 Westport Bay Flora 7 April 1899 Inishlyre Roads, Clew Bay Fancy 1696 Inishlyre Roads, Clew Bay Forest Monarch 20 Nov. 1848 Inniskeagh Island (Inishkea ?) George 26 Nov. 1822 Clew Bay Helena 1 March 1833 off Westport Jane 25 Feb. 1794 near Westport Leguan 15 Sept. 1860 Clew Bay Leopard 1665 Mayo Leopard 9 Dec. 1794 near Westport Loven 3 Sept. 1802 off Westport Lugar 1889 Inishgort
Maria 10 Jan. 1849For inspection Westport purposes only. Bay Mary and Sally 30Consent Jan. of 1808 copyright owner near required Westport for any other use.
Mary 2 June 1890 off Rosmoney Point, Clew Bay Mary 11 Sept. 1894 Rossport Mary 26 Dec. 1897 Co. Mayo Nelson 27 Jan. 1847 Westport Nimroud 28 Jan. 1875 abandoned off the coast of Mayo Pearl 6 Dec. 1904 Innislyre Otter unknown Clew Bay Reformer 24 March 1856 south point of Innishack Rodney May 1834 Westport Sheldrake 7 May 1842 Clew Bay Speedwell Jan. 1760 near Newport Thomas and 23 Jan. 1752 Clew Bay Rebecca Uxbridge 1835 in Westport Bay Valiant 21 Nov. 1819 c.30 miles from Westport unknown 20 April 1830 Aunasead, Westport unknown 18th / 19th Poll na Raite century unknown 14 June 1894 Clew Bay
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3.8.4 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
Construction and Operational Phase Impacts
3.8.4.1 All elements of the proposed waste water treatment plant will involve ground disturbance. Trenches will need to be dug for the pipe-laying purposes, the construction of the pumping stations may some excavation, while, the construction of the wastewater treatment plant itself will require that earth be removed from the area. The depth to bedrock is as of yet unknown but it is possible that in some areas all soil will be removed so as to expose bedrock. There exists the potential to negatively impact upon any sub-surface artefacts that may as of yet be unidentified in the area.
3.8.4.2 Impacts to known sites of archaeological value are as follows:
• The digging of trenches within or adjacent to zones of archaeological potential for the RMP sites within the study area have the potential to cause a negative impact. Zones of archaeological potential which are predicted to be directly impacted by the development are MA067-037, MA067-061 and MA068-013 . These are indicated on the map by a line/circle (this line is for indication purposes only and may not actually delimit the site on the ground). The location of these monuments are depicted on Figure 3.8.1– Cultural Heritage RMP Sites . Site MA068-014 and its zone of archaeological potential may be indirectly impacted by the proposed pipeline (because as stated above the zone of potential is indicative only). The impact on these sites is predicted to be very significant and permanent in nature; however the predicted impact has a low certainty because much of the pipelines are routed along existing roadways, which have already caused disturbance.
• The digging of trenches within or adjacent to the newly recorded site (a mound) on Inishdaweel Island could potentially result in the destruction of subsurface artefacts. This would be a very significantly negative impact of a permanent nature. This will not occur as the elevated position of the newly recorded site will mean that the pipeline can be routed along lower ground, thus avoiding the mound.
• The digging of trenches for the proposed development in greenfield areas where no recorded archaeology is located could potentially result in the permanent destruction of subsurface artefacts which might as of yet be un-recorded in the area. This would be a significantly negative impact, however the predicted impact is not considered highly likely to occur.
• For inspection purposes only. As the final location andConsent design of copyright for theowner various required forel anyements other use. of the proposed waste water treatment plant has not been finalised, assessing the visual impact is difficult. However, the plant is located in the study area at Caulicaun, and as such may be visible from two RMPs, namely MA067-037, (which is 200m to the west and is currently overgrown and covered with impenetrable scrub), and MA068-013, which is 375m to the southeast appears to be no longer extant. Both sites are a sufficient distance for this predicted impact to be minimal. All other sites in the vicinity are in excess of 800m from the proposed treatment plant
3.8.4.3 Should no archaeological mitigation be put in place for the duration of these works, it is likely that unrecorded archaeological deposits and/or artefacts may be destroyed without proper archaeological recording taking place.
‘Worst Case Scenario’ Impact
3.8.4.4 In the unlikely event that no archaeological mitigation is implemented for the duration of the construction phase of the proposed development, it is considered likely that unrecorded archaeological deposits and/or artefacts may be destroyed without proper archaeological recording occurring.
‘Do-Nothing’ Impact
3.8.4.5 In the event of the development not proceeding at the identified sites of Newport town and its environs, no RMP (known archaeological sites), potential sub-surface unrecorded archaeological features or artefacts will be disturbed. B8838-N-R-09-B FINAL 155
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Summary
3.8.4.6 There is a predicted impact at 3 no. recorded archaeological sites (RMPs) by traversing through their zones of archaeological potential. Of these sites, MA067-037 and MA067-061 are in grassland, whilst the remaining site, MA068-13 is no longer extant and is only impacted by a roadway traversing through the zone of archaeological potential of the monument. Based on the specimen design the pipeline route would follow the road in these areas and so would remain within the previously impacted and disturbed channel, through the RMPs zone of archaeological potential. One previously unrecorded archaeological site was identified during this survey, namely a mound on the island of Inishdaweel.
3.8.5 MITIGATION MEASURES
Construction and Operational Phases
3.8.5.1 The excavation of the pipeline trenches associated with the proposed development in greenfield locations and within or adjacent to RMP sites, will be subjected to archaeological monitoring under licence by an archaeologist. In the event of archaeological deposits and/or artefacts being encountered during this monitoring the National Monuments Section) of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the National Museum of Ireland (NMI) will be consulted to determine the requirements, if any, for further mitigation.
3.8.5.2 The pipeline routes along the existing roads that are not adjacent to/within any RMP will be intermittently inspected by an archaeologist, at a schedule which will be agreed prior to commencement of construction activities. The detailed design of the proposed development will ensure that the pipeline route does not impact directly on RMP, MA067-037 or any other RMP site.
3.8.5.3 Whilst Outfall Option A is the preferred outfall option being presented to An Bord Pleanála for approval, in the event of Outfall Option B proceeding, the route of the pipeline will be designed to ensure that the pipe or construction activity will not impact directly on RMP, MA067-061 . This monument is located on the highest tip of the peninsula, so it will therefore be possible to avoid same.
3.8.5.4 In the event of Outfall Option B proceeding, the route of the pipeline will be selected to ensure that is does not impact directly on the newly recorded archaeological site on the island of Inishdaweel. This monument is located on the highest tip of the peninsula, so it will therefore be possible to avoid same. For inspection purposes only. Consent of copyright owner required for any other use.
3.8.5.5 In the event of Outfall Option B proceeding, an archaeological dive survey will be conducted to assess the archaeological potential of the areas not addressed in the inter-tidal assessment.
3.8.5.6 It should be noted that it is the remit of the National Monuments Section and the National Museum of Ireland to legally recommend any one or a combination of the above specified measures, or indeed to make additional recommendations in respect of mitigation.
3.8.5.7 All dredged material will be monitored and scanned with metal detection devices by a qualified archaeologist under licence from the National Monuments Section.
3.8.6 RESIDUAL IMPACTS
3.8.6.1 It is anticipated that in the event of the mitigation measures as specified above being implemented in accordance with the requirements of the National Monuments Section and the National Museum of Ireland, there will be no residual impacts of significance arising from the proposed development.
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EPA Export 26-07-2013:11:02:25