Proposed Above Ground Installation (AGI) at Ballough, Fingal, County Dublin Archaeological Assessment

Prepared by: John Cronin & Associates Unit 3A Westpoint Trade Centre Ballincollig

On behalf of: RPS West Pier Business Campus Dun Laoghaire County Dublin

September 2018 Contents

1. Introduction ...... 3 2. Methodology...... 4 3. Context ...... 7 4. Description of subject site ...... 25 5. Assessment of impacts ...... 27 6. Mitigation Measures ...... 28 7. References ...... 29

Appendix 1: Archaeological Inventory Entries ...... 30 Appendix 2: Photographic record ...... 33

Proposed AGI, Ballough, Fingal, County Dublin Archaeological Assessment |2 1. Introduction

John Cronin & Associates have been commissioned by RPS Group on behalf of Gas Network Ireland with respect to the proposed development of an Above Ground Installation (AGI) to the north of the existing Ballough AGI in north Fingal, County Dublin. The proposed development site is located c.3km northwest of the town centre of Lusk, within the Fingal administrative area of north Co. Dublin.

The proposed new AGI facility will reduce the importance of the existing Ballough AGI to the overall gas network. This will be achieved with a bypass of Ballough AGI, while also providing for connectivity between the two AGIs. The works will also involve modifications to Ballough AGI, including removal of some above ground elements. The design of the project will ensure that gas flows will be maintained at all times. At a later stage, the addition of pressure reduction equipment at the proposed new AGI will facilitate network capacity improvements.

The study area for this assessment comprised the internal area of the proposed development combined with the lands extending for c.1km from the outer boundaries of the site. A total of twelve archaeological sites are recorded by the Historic Environment Viewer of the National Monuments Service as being located within 1km of the outer boundaries of the proposed development. The nearest recorded archaeological site to elements of the proposed scheme, which is scheduled for inclusion in the next revision of the RMP, is that of a linear field ditch (DU008-066----) which is located c.170m east of the route of the proposed interconnecting pipeline in the southern portion of Baldrumman townland (ITM Co-ordinates 718667, 755182). This site was partially excavated in 2002.

Proposed AGI, Ballough, Fingal, County Dublin Archaeological Assessment |3 2. Methodology

Desktop Study This assessment is based on a desktop survey which identified all recorded archaeological sites within the vicinity of the subject area. The principal source reviewed for the assessment of the known archaeological resource are the files and records of the Archaeological Survey of Ireland (ASI). Between 1984 and 1992, the ASI issued a series of county Sites and Monuments Records (SMRs). These county SMRs, revised in the light of further research and fieldwork, formed the basis for the statutory Record of Monuments and Places (RMP) (established under Section 12 of the National Monuments (Amendment) Act 1994). Similar in format to the SMRs (comprising a list and set of maps), the RMPs were issued for each county in the State between 1995 and 1998. Monuments included in the statutory RMP are legally protected and are generally referred to as “Recorded Monuments”.

Since the publication of the original county SMRs and RMPS, the ASI has continued to record and add entries to the Sites and Monuments Record. In addition, the ASI has developed an online database and web viewer known as the “Historic Environment Viewer”; this has been developed to “enhance the user’s experience by facilitating access the databases of the National Monuments Service Sites and Monuments Record (SMR) and the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (NIAH) in a seamless one-stop point of access for both data resources” (Source www.archaeology.ie).

In addition, the following sources were consulted:

 Cartographic Sources - The detail on cartographic sources can indicate past settlement and land use patterns in recent centuries and can also highlight the impact of modern developments and agricultural practices. This information can aid in the identification of the location and extent of unrecorded, or partially levelled, features of archaeological or architectural heritage interest. The cartographic sources examined for the study areas include the 1st edition of the 6-inch Ordnance Survey (OS) maps (surveyed and published in the 1830s-40s) and the 25-inch OS maps (surveyed and published 1887-1913).

 Development Plans - The local authority development plans relevant to the study area was consulted as part of this assessment. These plans outline the local authorities’ policies for the conservation of the archaeological and architectural heritage resource and include the Record of Protected Structures (“RPS”) and any designated Architectural Conservation Areas (“ACAs”). The relevant development plan for the study area is the Fingal Development Plan 2017-2023.

 Database of Irish Excavation Reports - The Database of Irish Excavation Reports contains summary accounts of all archaeological excavations carried out in Ireland (North and South) from 1970 to 2017.

 Placenames Database of Ireland - The Placenames Branch (Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs) provides a comprehensive management system for data, archival records and placenames research conducted by the State. Its primary function is to undertake research in order to establish the correct Irish language

Proposed AGI, Ballough, Fingal, County Dublin Archaeological Assessment |4 forms of the placenames of Ireland and to publish them on a public website (www.logainm.ie).

 National Inventory of Architectural Heritage - The function of the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (“NIAH”) is to record built heritage structures within the Republic of Ireland and to advise local authorities in relation to structures of interest within their areas. The NIAH commissions surveys of sites of architectural significance to assist in evaluating structures to be included in the RPS. Listing on the NIAH does not necessarily carry any statutory protection but does highlight the culturally significant aspects of the structure which ought to be conserved.

Types of Impact Impacts are generally categorised as either being direct, indirect or of no predicted impact. The criteria for determining the nature of impacts are based on the following: • Direct Impact – where a cultural heritage site is physically located within the footprint of the scheme, which will result in its complete or partial removal. • Indirect Impact – where a cultural heritage site or its setting is located in close proximity to the footprint of the scheme. • No predicted impact – where the potential scheme will not adversely or positively affect a cultural heritage site.

A significance rating for these impacts is then applied; whether profound, significant, moderate, slight, or imperceptible  A profound impact applies where mitigation would be unlikely to remove adverse effects that arise where a cultural heritage site is completely and irreversibly destroyed by a proposed development.  A significant impact applies when an impact, by its magnitude, duration or intensity, alters an important aspect of the environment. It applies where part of a cultural heritage site would be permanently impacted upon, leading to a loss of character, integrity and data about the feature/site.  A moderate impact applies when a change to a cultural heritage site is proposed that, though noticeable, does not compromise the integrity of the site and which is reversible. This arises where a cultural heritage site can be incorporated into a modern-day development without damage and where all procedures used to facilitate this are reversible.  A slight impact causes changes in the character of the environment which are not significant or profound and do not directly impact or affect a cultural heritage site.  An imperceptible impact applied where an impact is capable of measurement but does not carry noticeable consequences.

Field Survey An archaeological inspection of the landholding of the proposed development site was undertaken in August 2018 in cloudy (and occasionally wet) weather conditions. There was good landscape visibility. This survey entailed the field walking of the lands that contain the layout of the proposed development and encompassed all areas to be impacted by the proposed development. The entire subject site was accessible and was assessed in terms of landscape, land use, vegetation cover, presence or lack of both known and potential archaeological sites. A

Proposed AGI, Ballough, Fingal, County Dublin Archaeological Assessment |5 photographic record of the site inspection was compiled, and extracts are presented in Appendix 2 of this report.

Proposed AGI, Ballough, Fingal, County Dublin Archaeological Assessment |6 3. Context

Environmental Context The proposed development site (see Figure 1) is located c.3km northwest of the town centre of Lusk, within the Fingal administrative area of north Co. Dublin. The proposed AGI installation and associated pipelines will be sited within a low lying and generally flat, semi-rural landscape which is dominated by tillage agriculture. The site of the proposed AGI is located to the immediate east of the M1 motorway (south of the M1 Lusk service area) and straddles the townlands of Baldrumman, Ballystrane and Ballough. The proposed interconnecting pipeline, which will connect the AGI facility with the Gas to the West pipeline in the southern part of Baldrumman townland, extends for a distance of c.650m in a south-westward direction, and includes an under passing of the M1 motorway. The soil profiles of this area predominantly consist of clayey drift with siliceous stones, localised concentrations of river alluvium also exist within the subject site. The underlying geology is composed of marine basinal facies (Tobercolleen and Lucan Fms) which comprise dark grey argillaceous and cherty limestone and shale.

Figure 1: General location of the proposed AGI and interconnecting pipelines

Proposed AGI, Ballough, Fingal, County Dublin Archaeological Assessment |7

Figure 2: Aerial photograph of the location of the proposed development with an overlay of the proposed AGI facility (upper right of frame), proposed interconnecting pipeline (red line) and existing gas pipelines (blue lines)

Archaeological and Historical Context The following section is based on a desktop survey of the archaeological resource within the study area in order to inform assessment of the potential impacts of the proposed scheme. It provides a summary of the main phases of the Irish archaeological record, the date ranges used are based on those published by the National Monuments Service. A total of twelve archaeological sites are recorded by the Historic Environment Viewer of the National Monuments Service as being located within 1km of the outer boundaries of the proposed development (Table 1, Figure 3). The recorded sites within this study area comprise of three fulacht fia/burnt mound sites, three enclosure sites, an ecclesiastical site, a ring ditch, a pit, a field system, a corn drying kiln and a wind mill. However, five of these sites are not scheduled for inclusion in the next revision of the RMP (refer to Table 1). This is due to the fact that four of the five sites (ring ditch, pit, fulacht fia, corn drying kiln) were excavated in advance of previous infrastructural projects in the area, while the remaining site (wind mill) is no longer considered to be of archaeological significance.

The nearest recorded archaeological site to elements of the proposed scheme, which is scheduled for inclusion in the next revision of the RMP, is that of a linear field ditch (DU008-066----) which is located c.170m east of the route of the proposed interconnecting pipeline in the southern portion of Baldrumman townland (718667, 755182). This site was partially excavated in 2002 prior to the construction of the M1 motorway in this area (Chapple, 02E0078). Excavation revealed that the ditch, which contained over 100 sherds of medieval and post-medieval pottery, extended westwards beyond the limit of excavation. It is possible that this linear ditch extends into the proposed area of works associated with the interconnecting pipeline. The excavator also surmised that the pottery was likely derived from a nearby area of habitation which was not

Proposed AGI, Ballough, Fingal, County Dublin Archaeological Assessment |8 uncovered during that particular excavation. The presence of the above site, as well two further sites identified in the vicinity of the proposed scheme during investigations associated with previous infrastructural projects (DU007-072001- Ring ditch (c.450m to WNW); DU007-073---- Burnt mound (c.430m to NW)), indicates that the general location of the proposed scheme has a heightened archaeological potential.

Table 1: List of archaeological sites recorded on the Historic Environment Viewer of the NMS which are located within 1km study area No. RMP No. Class Townland ITM Ref (E, N) Next RMP Rev. 1 DU007-040---- Ecclesiastical site Nevitt 717923, 756740 Yes

2 DU007-052---- Enclosure Colecot 718161, 754423 Yes

3 DU007-071---- Enclosure Johnstown 717763, 756479 Yes 4 DU007-072001- Rind-ditch Baldrumman 718157, 755644 No 5 DU007-073---- Burnt mound Baldrumman 718452, 755895 Yes 6 DU008-007---- Windmill Ballough 719740, 755221 No

7 DU008-062---- Fulacht fia Jordanstown 718717, 757065 No 8 DU008-066---- Field system Ballough 718671, 755182 Yes 9 DU008-091---- Kiln – corn-drying Jordanstown 718966, 756614 No 10 DU008-092---- Fulacht fia Jordanstown 719202, 756979 Yes

11 DU008-095---- Pit Ballough 718947, 754505 No

12 DU008-096---- Enclosure Newtowncorduff 719011, 754184 Yes

Figure 3: Recorded archaeological sites (red dots), as recorded by Historic Environment Viewer of NMS, located within 1km of the outer boundaries of the proposed development areas (refer to Table 1 above)

Proposed AGI, Ballough, Fingal, County Dublin Archaeological Assessment |9 Until the recent identification of human butchery marks on a 12,000-year-old bear bone recovered from a cave in County Clare, which places the discovery in the Palaeolithic period, the earliest recorded evidence for human settlement in Ireland had dated to the Mesolithic period (7000–4000 BC) when Stone Age hunter-gatherers travelling by boats landed on the heavily forested island. While these Mesolithic settlers did not construct settlements or monuments that have left any above ground traces, their presence can often be identified by scatters of worked flint in ploughed fields. The Neolithic period (4000-2400 BC) began with the arrival and establishment of agriculture as the principal form of economic subsistence, which resulted in more permanent settlement patterns. As a consequence of the more settled nature of agrarian life, new site-types, such as more substantial rectangular timber houses and various types of megalithic tombs, begin to appear in the archaeological record during this period. While there is archaeological evidence within the wider region for Mesolithic (e.g. Mesolithic fish traps, Spencer Docks) and Neolithic (e.g. stone axe production site, Lambay Island) activity, there are no definitive recorded sites from either period within the subject study area. Three enclosure sites are recorded within the study area, while such sites can date from the early prehistoric period, it is more likely that they date from the early medieval period.

Late Prehistoric Period The Irish Bronze Age (2400–500 BC) commenced with the arrival of metal-working techniques to the island and this technological advance resulted in the introduction of a new artefactual assemblage into the Irish archaeological record. This period was also associated with the construction of new monument types such as standing stones, stone rows, stone circles, barrows and fulachta fia. Fulachta fia or burnt mounds are often interpreted as the remains of cooking sites and are the most numerous archaeological site type in Ireland and radiocarbon dating of excavated examples has generally produced dates in the Bronze Age (c.2400-500BC). These sites are typically found close to a water source and survive as horseshoe-shaped mounds surrounding a trough, which is often found to be stone or timber-lined. They functioned by filling the trough with water, which was then heated by the introduction of heated stones. Modern experiments have shown that this technique can bring the trough water to boiling point and has been successfully demonstrated that it could cooked wrapped meats within a short period of time. The heated stones shattered on entering the cold water, and after use the trough was cleaned out and the burnt stones were thrown behind and to the sides of the trough, which eventually resulted in a horseshoe-shaped mound. Over time many of the mounds were ploughed out and now survive as subsurface spreads of blackened soils with frequent inclusions of burnt stones. A number of alternative interpretations have been forwarded as to the function of these archaeological sites, such as their potential uses as bathing, saunas, garment washing and dyeing, and leather processing sites. The arrival of iron-working technology in Ireland saw the advent of the Iron Age (600 BC – 400 AD). This period has been traditionally associated with a Celtic ‘invasion’ but this view is no longer widely accepted as recent archaeological evidence points instead to a gradual acculturation of the Irish Bronze Age communities following centuries of contacts with Celtic- type cultures in Europe. Relatively little has been traditionally known about Iron Age settlement and ritual practices until recent decades when the corpus of evidence has been greatly increased by the discovery of Iron Age sites during schemes such as bog-cutting and road construction projects. There is a total of five late prehistoric archaeological sites recorded within the study area. These sites consist of three burnt mounds or ‘fulachta fia’ and a pit of probable Bronze Age date, as well as a previously excavated ring ditch which was dated to the Iron Age.

Proposed AGI, Ballough, Fingal, County Dublin Archaeological Assessment |10 Early Medieval Period This period began with the introduction of Christianity in Ireland and continued up to the arrival of the Anglo-Normans during the 12th-century (c. 400–1169 AD). The establishment of the Irish church was to have profound implications for political, social and economic life and is attested to in the archaeological record by the presence of church sites, associated places for burial and holy wells. The early medieval church sites were morphologically similar to ringforts but are often differentiated by the presence of features such as church buildings, graves, stone crosses and shrines. The study area contains the recorded site of a probable ecclesiastical site in the townland of Nevitt. This period saw the emergence of the first phases of urbanisation around the large monasteries and the Hiberno-Norse ports. However, the dominant settlement pattern of the period continued to be rural-based in sites such as ringforts, which comprise roughly circular enclosures delimited by roughly circular earthen banks formed of material thrown up from a concentric external ditch. Ringforts are one of the most numerous monuments in the Irish landscape and the early medieval terms for these sites (rath/lios/dun) still form some of the most common place-name elements in the country. Archaeological excavations indicate that the majority of ringforts were early medieval farmsteads with internal timber buildings and were surrounded by associated field systems. Three enclosure sites which are located within the study area most likely date to the early medieval period. A concentration of corn drying kilns which were excavated in Jordanstown townland (Tobin, 02E0684) in advance of a gas pipeline also likely date to this period.

Late Medieval Period The arrival and conquest of large parts of Ireland by the Anglo-Normans in the late 12th-century broadly marks the advent of the Irish late medieval period, which continued up until the beginning of the post-medieval period in c.1550. Within the late medieval period, towns, markets, and fairs were established and change and reform attempted in the Irish church. By the 15th- century the native Irish chieftains and lords began to establish tower houses and smaller castles as centres of territorial control. While there are no definitive recorded monuments dating to this period within the study area, the subject area was located within the Anglo-Norman ‘Pale’, and as such, the wider area would have been under the influence of the Anglo-Normans from the late 12th-century onwards. Townland names such as Jordanstown and Newtowncorduff are indicative of this. It is possible that the corn drying kilns described in the early medieval section above may also date from this period.

Post Medieval Period The post medieval period (1550+) saw the development of high and low status stone-built houses throughout the Irish countryside. During this period any given rural settlement cluster is likely to have consisted primarily of single-storey thatched cottages with associated farm buildings while two-storey farm houses became more common in the 19th-century. In the latter half of the 20th-century, there was a radical change in the nature and character of Irish domestic architecture manifested by the replacement of older stone-built structures with modern bungalows of concrete blockwork construction. There is a great amount of historical and cartographic evidence for a strong settlement and farming occupation of the study area during this period, a wind mill located in Ballough townland demonstrates the particular focus on tillage agriculture in this area of high quality land.

Proposed AGI, Ballough, Fingal, County Dublin Archaeological Assessment |11 The Excavations Database The Excavation Database contains summary accounts of all the archaeological excavations carried out in Ireland (North and South) from 1970 to 2017. The database gives access to over 23,000 reports and can be browsed or searched using multiple fields, including year, county, site type, grid reference, license number, Sites and Monuments Record number and author. The following townlands within the study area were reviewed: Baldrumman, Ballough, Ballystrane, Colecot, Hedgestown, Irishtown, Johnstown, Jordanstown, Knightstown, Newtowncorduff, Nevitt and Oberstown. There are 25 separate programmes of archaeological investigation recorded on the database as having been undertaken within these townlands (see Table 2 below). The vast majority of the archaeological investigations were undertaken in advance of infrastructural projects such as the M1 motorway, an associated service area and various gas and water pipeline schemes which extended across the study area.

Table 2: Extracts from Excavations Database for archaeological investigations undertaken in townlands within the study area (listed in chronological order) Site Name Licence and Summary Author Ballough to Kilshane Malachy Monitoring of topsoil removal for the construction of the northern section Gas Pipeline, Conway of the new NEP 3 gas pipeline was undertaken between April and Co. Dublin September 1999. The pipeline will extend south from Ballough as far as Brownsbarn, Co. Dublin, reusing sections of the previously excavated NEP 1 and 2 pipelines (1983 and 1988). The first stage of this route saw monitoring of the pipeline excavation from Ballough to Kilshane. The remaining stages of pipeline construction south of Kilshane as far as Brownsbarn will be undertaken from summer 2000. The pipeline corridor was stripped of topsoil running south from the Bord Gáis Éireann station at Ballough through Richardstown to Gracedieu. The excavation of this stretch of corridor revealed two archaeological sites in 1988, both of which were fully excavated before construction (Excavations 1988). Monitoring of this stretch in 1999 did not reveal further archaeological features, soils or finds.

Courtlough/ 97E0111 The 1997, final portion of the Balbriggan Bypass was monitored between Folkstown/ Patricia Lynch 7 April and 7 October 1997. It was carried out in compliance with the Little/Hedgestown/ recommendations made in an EIS. Jordanstown/ One area of possible archaeological significance was found in Area 4, Newtown/ Stamullen. On examination it was found to consist of three shallow Rowans Big/Rowans patches of burnt clay, ash and moist clay. No artefacts were recovered Little/Stamullin/ although some fragments of burnt animal bone and a cow tooth were Sarsfieldstown found. The area had already been crossed by the gas pipeline and thus was disturbed. The deposits were therefore considered non-archaeological. Otherwise no areas of archaeological significance were uncovered.

Ballystrane, Co. 00E0953 ext An area identified as a possible prehistoric habitation was revealed Dublin Patricia Lynch during topsoil-stripping carried out on the second contract of the Airport– Balbriggan Bypass. The site was excavated, and a series of criss-crossing modern field drains was identified. The site was deemed to be of no archaeological significance.

Proposed AGI, Ballough, Fingal, County Dublin Archaeological Assessment |12 Site Name Licence and Summary Author Colecot, Dublin 00E0953 ext A possible fulacht fiadh with associated burnt-mound material was Patricia Lynch identified during monitoring of topsoil-stripping on the second contract of the Airport–Balbriggan Bypass. The subsequent investigation concluded that the feature was modern in origin.

Site 23, Ballough, Co. 01E1138 The site was discovered during monitoring of topsoil-stripping on the line Dublin Robert M. of the Northern Motorway (Phase II: Lissenhall–Balbriggan Bypass), Co. Chapple Dublin, for Fingal County Council, carried out by Patricia Lynch for Valerie J. Keeley Ltd (see No. 450 above, 00E0953 ext.). The area investigated covered c. 687.88m2 and lay c. 2.25km west of Lusk and c. 8.75km south- west of Skerries, in generally flat countryside (c. 22m OD). The central area of the site was dominated by five large pits. C8 was an oblong pit (3.1m by 1.1m by 0.44m) containing twelve fills. The evidence appears to indicate a number of changes in function throughout its lifespan. In the first instance the presence of eight identifiable layers of ashy material at the base of the pit suggests initial use as a receptacle for ash. Although no evidence of fire reddening of the cut surface survived, a function that included the in situ burning of material cannot be ruled out. This phase of activity appears to have been terminated with the laying down of F143, the pink/grey colour of which is interpreted as indicative of exposure to extreme heat. Again, that this discoloration was not evidenced on the sides of the cut suggests that this material was introduced from elsewhere. A single struck flint was also recovered from this fill and may be seen as either a deliberate deposition or an accidental loss. The third change in the use of C8 occurred with the deposition of a demonstrably different material type. In this case F142 and F141 contained large quantities of fire-shattered stone, similar to burnt-mound material. However, the presence of burnt bone and quartz debitage within F141 is unusual in such deposits. Finally, the capping of this material by F140 is interpreted as the result of a process of natural infilling of the remaining section of the C8 pit. C11 was a circular pit (1.6m by 1.6m by 0.4m) containing three fills, and C12 was a circular pit (1.7m by 1.7m by 0.23m) containing one fill. Morphologically, C11 and C12 were remarkably similar, being circular with comparable profiles and depths. The correspondence also extended to the general character of their fills, as both contained substantial quantities of fire-reddened and cracked stone. These fills were also analogous to the later fills of C8, including F141 and F142. This comparison extended to the broad character of the artefacts recovered from C12, which included flint debitage, struck flint and animal teeth. C11 also produced a single piece of flint debitage. C14 was an oblong pit (1.85m by 2.2m by 0.35m) containing seven fills, and C77 was a circular pit (1.6m by 1.6m by 0.4m) containing six fills. In morpho-logical terms, C14 bore similarities to C8, while C77 appeared to have more in common with C11 and C12. The seven fills of C14 were chiefly identifiable as clayey and sandy silts with charcoal flecking and quantities of decayed stone. The fills of C77 were also largely identifiable as clayey silts and sandy clays, and finds of unburnt bone and animal teeth

Proposed AGI, Ballough, Fingal, County Dublin Archaeological Assessment |13 Site Name Licence and Summary Author were consistent with the previous pits. C14 also produced one piece of burnt flint, and a single piece of flint debitage was recovered from C77. The location of these two features is of particular interest as, although they lay close to the previously described pits, they were at a substantially lower level (c. 0.3m), where they were constantly being inundated by rainwater. In the absence of radiocarbon determinations it is tempting to ascribe an Early Bronze Age date to this collection of pits, primarily on the basis of their association with the fire-shattered stone of burnt-mound-like appearance. In the south-eastern part of the site a small area of c. 5.48m2 contained eleven pits, two post-holes and eighteen stake-holes. Of these, C38, a subcircular pit (0.55m by 0.22m by 0.2m), produced a quantity of burnt bone, and C46, an oval, elongated pit (0.16m by 0.14m by 0.14m), produced a single struck flint, a carbonised hazelnut shell (Corylus avellana), a carbonised fruit stone and a single sherd of prehistoric pottery.This collection of eleven pits, two post-holes and eighteen stake- holes is difficult to interpret and may represent a number of successive actions and events, unrelated to each other. Although, in plan, some of these features appear to exhibit certain linear qualities, none can be rationalised sufficiently to extrapolate any form of defined structure.

Nevitt, Co. Dublin 01E1155 Two small pits were identified during the monitoring of topsoil-stripping Patricia Lynch and drainage trenches carried out on the second contract of the Airport– Balbriggan Bypass. These features were excavated and deemed to be of no archaeological significance.

Woodpark, Co. 01E1156 A fulacht fiadh with associated burnt-mound material was identified Dublin Patricia Lynch during the monitoring of trial-pits, topsoil-stripping and drainage trenches carried out on the second contract of the Airport–Balbriggan Bypass. A subcircular trough, 1m in diameter, was identified. This contained a fill of heat-shattered stones and charcoal-enriched soil.

Woodpark, Co. 01E1157 A fulacht fiadh with associated burnt-mound material was identified Dublin Patricia Lynch during the monitoring of drainage trenches carried out on the second contract of the Airport–Balbriggan Bypass. On excavation, the site was identified as drainage channels with deposits of iron pan. The site was deemed to be of no archaeological significance.

Woodpark, Co. 02E0042 A series of ditches was identified during the monitoring of drainage Dublin Patricia Lynch trenches carried out on the second contract of the Airport–Balbriggan Bypass. The site was excavated and deemed to be of no archaeological significance.

Woodpark, Co. 02E0051 A small pit with a single adjacent fragment of medieval pottery was Dublin Patricia Lynch identified during the monitoring of topsoil-stripping carried out on the second contract of the Airport–Balbriggan Bypass. This site was

Proposed AGI, Ballough, Fingal, County Dublin Archaeological Assessment |14 Site Name Licence and Summary Author excavated and identified as a modern field drain with inclusions of iron pan.

Ballystrane, Co. 02E0052 Although initially identified as a series of small pits with associated flint, Dublin Patricia Lynch this site on excavation was found to be of no archaeological significance.

Nevitt, Co. Dublin 02E0052 A series of ditches was identified during the monitoring of drainage Patricia Lynch trenches carried out on the second contract of the Airport–Balbriggan Bypass. The site was excavated and deemed to be of no archaeological significance.

Site 17, Ballough, Co. 02E0078 The site was discovered during monitoring of topsoil-stripping on the line Dublin Robert M. of the Northern Motorway (Phase II, Lissenhall–Balbriggan Bypass), Co. Chapple Dublin, for Fingal County Council, carried out by Patricia Lynch for Valerie J. Keeley Ltd (see No. 450 above, 00E0953 ext.). The area investigated covered c. 452.87m2 and lay c. 2.5km west-north-west of Lusk and c. 8km south-west of Skerries, in generally flat to gently rolling countryside (c. 22.5m OD). The site itself sloped gently to the north-east and lay in an area intended as part of the road realignment between Colecot Lane and a flyover bridge over the main take of the Lissenhall–Balbriggan Bypass. The central feature in the site was a linear field ditch (C7) with steep, concave sides and a concave base (42.88m+ by 1.42m by 0.7m). This feature ran from east to west across the site, continuing beyond the area available for excavation at both ends. C7 cut the subsoil and contained nineteen fills. This feature was investigated using a series of fourteen box- sections. From these fills six pieces of animal bone (burnt and unburnt) were recovered, along with over 100 sherds of medieval and post- medieval pottery. Wet sieving of fill F68 from the C7 ditch allowed the recovery of blackberry/raspberry seeds. Although these have yet to be formally identified, their presence on medieval sites is frequently indicative of cesspit material. Wet sieving of samples from fills F52 and F55 produced quantities of carbonised grain (species as yet unidentified). All artefacts and organic materials were confined to the eastern end of the C7 ditch. The western end of this ditch was sterile, being filled with a succession of pale grey silts and clays, indicative of fluvial deposition. C24 was a sub-oval spread with very shallow sides and a concave base (0.93m by 0.45m by 0.13m); its fill produced three sherds of medieval pottery. C60 was a sub-oval spread with gradually sloping sides and a concave base (0.7m by 0.4m by 0.08m); its fill produced one sherd of medieval pottery. C25, an oblong pit with convex sides and a flat base (1.13m by 0.66m by 0.18m), contained one fill. Although this pit did not produce any artefacts or dating evidence, its similar morphology and location close to spreads C24 and C60 may indicate a similarly medieval date. In essence, the archaeological core of Site 17, Ballough, was a single field ditch of medieval date. Although no direct evidence of settlement was discovered, there remains a strong likelihood that the recovered pottery

Proposed AGI, Ballough, Fingal, County Dublin Archaeological Assessment |15 Site Name Licence and Summary Author derived from an adjacent source. In the light of this excavation, one strong area of possibility is that to the north of the excavated site, between the road realignment and the flyover bridge for the motorway. Unfortunately, this area was not part of the road-take and was thus not available for excavation.

Ballough AGI to RdX 02E0194 Monitoring of Section 1A of the Pipeline to the West continued from 1/53, Ballough, Co. Redmond Section 6 without any break. The pipeline originated from Ballough AGI Dublin Tobin (above-ground installation) and continued west to Kinnegad. During topsoil-stripping 33 sites of archaeological potential were recorded. These included Bronze Age enclosures, cereal-drying kilns, pits, fulachta fiadh, a flint-knapping floor, an early historic cemetery, a circular enclosure with burials, an early historic industrial site, a smithing site and an iron-smelting site. Most of sites were archaeological in origin, although a few were discounted as non-antiquities.

Gormanston to 02E0122 Monitoring took place along the route of the Bord Gáis Éireann Pipeline Ballough, Dublin Redmond to the West (Section 6: Gormanston to Ballough) in February and March Tobin 2002. Monitoring covered an area from the coastal landfall for the interconnector to the above-ground installation at Ballough in County Dublin. During topsoil-stripping 22 sites of archaeological potential were recorded. These included two Bronze Age habitation sites, an 18th-/19th- century farmhouse, a possible kiln/bowl furnace, a possible ring-ditch, three pits, five fulachta fiadh, two unassociated troughs, five kilns, field systems and some isolated hearths and spreads. Only two features were discounted as non-antiquities.

Jordanstown, (BGE 02E0684 During topsoil-stripping for the Bord Gáis Éireann Pipeline to the West 6/12/1), Co. Dublin Redmond project (Section 6: Gormanston to Ballough), a series of archaeological Tobin features became apparent north-east of Road-crossing 6/13 on the N1. They extended for 37–40m along the pipeline corridor but were concentrated on the northern side. At their widest point the features were only 8m from the northern baulk of the wayleave. Subsequent cleaning revealed a series of stratified features including five cereal-drying kilns and areas of oxidised clay associated with a linear, ditch-like feature. All of these features contained charcoal-rich fills and were delimited by oxidised clay. They were cut by later ditches crossing from north to south. The features are situated on gently east–west-sloping pastureland; the land is quite unencumbered, affording good views in all directions, particularly to the north and west.

Jordanstown, (BGE 02E0686 This site was identified during topsoil removal for the Bord Gáis Éireann 6/11/1), Co. Dublin Redmond Pipeline to the West project (Section 6: Gormanston to Ballough) at Tobin Jordanstown, Lusk, Co. Dublin, as an irregularly shaped spread of firing material, subcircular to oval and measuring 1.4m by 1.2m. The fill appeared to be classic firing material, but the characteristic blackened soil was heavily leached and had lost much of its definitive colour. This site is

Proposed AGI, Ballough, Fingal, County Dublin Archaeological Assessment |16 Site Name Licence and Summary Author well located on a rolling landscape, sloping to the east. The land is well drained, and land use is predominantly pasture. The site lies on a natural break in slope, at which point the land drops steeply to the south into a V- shaped stream valley. There are good views to the south-west.

Nevitt/Tooman/ 05E1063 The site lies beside the M1 motorway to the west of Lusk in Fingal. A Jordanstown/ Kevin Lohan comprehensive testing strategy was devised in consultation with the Walshestown/ National Monuments Section of the Department of the Environment, Knightstown, Co. Heritage and Local Government. This testing was undertaken between 12 Dublin and 28 September 2005. In all, 27 trenches were excavated. The area had initially been the subject of a geophysical survey and the anomalies shown by the survey were targeted for testing. Large trenches in areas between the anomalies were also tested to ensure that the testing would be comprehensive. A total area of 1.5ha was investigated. This included sixteen trenches between 40m and 200m in length and eleven large rectangular trenches 40m by 20m and 50m by 20m in size. The majority of the linear trenches were opened over the geophysical anomalies; the larger trenches were used to test the area between them. The site is c. 236ha in size. The geophysical survey showed eight areas of anomalies with the potential to be archaeological in nature. They ranged from a large complex (A) located in the south-east corner of the area to relatively isolated geophysical responses such as G and H. In addition to the geophysical anomalies, an examination of a number of aerial photographs of the study area showed three circular features directly to the north of the proposed development area. It was decided to test the only circular feature directly impacted on by the proposed road. The results of the testing are discussed below site by site.

Lissenhall- 08E0178 Monitoring was undertaken along the route of the proposed Lissenhall– Jordanstown, Trunk James Kyle Jordanstown trunk water mains project from April 2008. This is currently Water Mains Project, ongoing as works are at present (January 2008) c. 45% complete. The Dublin works comprise of 9.2km of new trunk water main from the Lissenhall interchange of the M1 Motorway, along the R132 to the Jordanstown reservoir. This passes through the townlands of Lissenhall Little, Belinstown, Staffordstown Turvey, Coldwinters, Thomondtown, Corduff Common, Corduff, Staffordstown, Dunganstown, Newtowncor-duff, Ballough, Regeens, Oberstown and Jordans-town. Nothing of archaeological significance has been revealed to date.

M1 South Motorway 09E0002 An assessment was carried out in advance of the construction of the M1 Service Area – WEST: Robert O’Hara South motorway service area (West), Lusk, Co. Dublin on behalf of the Baldrumman, Co. National Roads Authority between 26 January and 23 March 2009. The Dublin assessment involved the mechanical excavation of 85 test-trenches with a combined total length of 8765m. Four fields were tested and only one archaeological site containing two circular ring-ditches was exposed. This

Proposed AGI, Ballough, Fingal, County Dublin Archaeological Assessment |17 Site Name Licence and Summary Author site was subsequently designated as Baldrumman 1 and excavated by Ian Russell in May and June 2009 (see No. 282 below; A050, E4030.)

M1 South Motorway 09E0003 An assessment was carried out on behalf of the National Roads Authority Service Area – EAST: Ian R. Russell in advance of the construction of a service area adjacent to and serving Baldrumman, the M1 motorway, Lusk, Co. Dublin, between 12 January and 23 Ballystrane and September 2009. A total of seven fields were tested and a total of 68 test- Ballough, Dublin trenches were excavated with a combined length of 9479m. It was obvious from the depth of the overlying mid-brown clay and sod that the majority of Field 2 had been significantly disturbed during the construction of the nearby motorway. No archaeological features or deposits were identified or exposed and no finds were recovered.

M1 South Motorway A050; E4030 Excavation was carried out on the site of two ring-ditches at Baldrumman Service Area – WEST: Ian R. Russell 1 which were exposed during testing of the proposed M1 South motorway Baldrumman, Co. service area (West) near Lusk, Co. Dublin (see No. 281 above). The Dublin excavation was carried out between 28 May and 5 June 2009 for the National Roads Authority. The remains of two Iron Age ring-ditches were exposed together with four possible pits. The first ring-ditch was circular in shape and measured 7.8m in diameter and 0.35m in depth. A gap in the western side measuring 2.2m in width functioned as an entrance. The primary fill consisted of a light-brown sandy clay and the secondary fill consisted of a mid-grey sandy clay. Four iron finds were recovered from the secondary fill – an iron sickle, a possible iron hammer, an unidentified iron object and the socketed end of an iron sickle. Two pieces of flint were also recovered during the testing phase which were dated to the Late Mesolithic/Neolithic period. It is likely that the flints represent residual artefacts from the remains of a temporary knapping site that was either nearby or disturbed by the construction of the ring-ditches. One possible pit was exposed in the centre of this ring-ditch, but upon investigation proved to be non-archaeological in nature. The second ring-ditch was located c. 10m to the north-east of the first ring-ditch. It was oval in shape and measured a maximum of 13.5m in length (northwest/south-east), 12m in width and 0.47m in depth. A gap measuring 2.9m in width in the west circumference functioned as an entrance. The ditch contained three fills. The primary fill consisted of a loose dark-brown sandy clay, the secondary was a mid-brown clay and the tertiary fill consisted of a sterile grey clay. A radiocarbon date obtained from a sample of charcoal (identified as ash) recovered from the secondary fill produced a date of 60 BC–AD 80, which dates to the Iron Age. Three possible pits were exposed in the centre of this ring-ditch which may have been associated with funeral activity, though no burnt bone or other evidence was recovered to substantiate this. The few fragments of burnt bone recovered from the fill of Ring-ditch 2 were analysed but identified as being animal and not human.

Proposed AGI, Ballough, Fingal, County Dublin Archaeological Assessment |18 Site Name Licence and Summary Author Oberstown, Dublin 10E0474 Testing, which took five days to complete, was undertaken at the National Dermot Neils Children Detention Facilities, Oberstown, Lusk, Co. Dublin, on a site measuring approximately 21.5ha. The excavation of eleven test-trenches located throughout the western and southern ends of the proposed development area failed to reveal any archaeological features or artifacts. On all occasions topsoil directly sealed geologically deposited strata. Two modern stone drains and a field boundary were recorded as part of the test-trenching exercise. It was not possible to excavate trenches in the north or east of the site and it is proposed that these areas will be investigated at a later date. No archaeological features or artifacts were revealed as a result of testing.

Oberstown, Dublin 10E0474 ext. Testing, which took one day to complete, was undertaken at the National Dermot Neils Children’s Detention Facilities, Oberstown, Lusk, Co. Dublin, on a site measuring approximately 21.5ha. The development involved the construction of approximately 650m of security fencing in an area (the north-western, northern and eastern ends of the site) which was not available for test trenching at the time of the first phase of fieldwork in 2010 (Excavations 2010, no. 285). The excavation of five test trenches failed to reveal any archaeological features or artefacts. On all occasions topsoil directly sealed geologically deposited strata. Two modern stone drains were recorded as part of the test-trenching exercise.

Placenames The proposed development straddles the townlands of Baldrumman, Ballystrane and Ballough, with the wider study area extending into the townlands of Colecot, Hedgestown, Irishtown, Johnstown, Jordanstown, Knightstown, Newtowncorduff, Nevitt and Oberstown (refer to Table 3 below). Townlands are the smallest unit of land division in the Irish landscape and many may preserve early Gaelic territorial boundaries that pre-date the Anglo-Norman conquest. The boundaries and nomenclature of the Irish townlands were recorded and standardised by the Ordnance Survey in the 19th-century. The Irish roots of townland names often refer to natural topographical features (e.g. Ballough/Baile Locha) but some name elements may also give an indication of the presence of past human activity within the townland, e.g. dun, lios or rath indicate the presence of a ringfort (e.g. Rathmooney/Ráth Maonaigh) while temple, saggart, termon or kill record an association with a church site. Due to the study area being located within the Anglo-Norman ‘Pale’, a number of townlands bare associations with Anglo Norman settlement (e.g. Knightstown/ Baile an Ridire; Jordanstown/Baile Shiurdáin; Newtowncorduff/An Baile Nua).

Table 3: Translation of townland names (where available) (source www.logainm.ie) Townland Irish Root Translation Baldrumman Baile Dhromainn Town/townland of the ridge Ballough Baile Locha Town/townland of the lake

Proposed AGI, Ballough, Fingal, County Dublin Archaeological Assessment |19 Townland Irish Root Translation Ballystrane Baile Loistreáin - Colecot An Bhoth Fhuar The cold cell/hut Hedgestown Baile Hoiste - Irishtown An Baile Gaelach Town/townland of the Irish Johnstown Baile Sheáin Town/townland of John Jordanstown Baile Shiurdáin Town/townland of Jordan Knightstown Baile an Ridire Town/townland of the knight Newtowncorduff An Baile Nua The new town Nevitt Neimhead Irish root possibly associated with Neimheadh of Celtic mythology Oberstown Baile an Oibricigh - Rathmooney Ráth Maonaigh Fort/ringfort of Mooney Regeens Reigín - Woodpark Páirc na Coille Field of the woods

Cartographic Review The detail on historic cartographic sources demonstrates the nature of past settlements and land use patterns in recent centuries and also highlights the impact of modern developments and agricultural practices. This information can aid in the identification of the location and extent of unrecorded, or partially levelled, features of archaeological or architectural heritage interest. The cartographic sources examined for the study areas include the 1st edition of the 6-inch Ordnance Survey (OS) maps (surveyed and published in the 1830s-40s) and the 25-inch OS maps (surveyed and published 1887-1913). The proposed development area and its surrounding vicinity is depicted as an organised and enclosed agricultural landscape with a very dispersed settlement pattern on the 1st edition 6-inch OS map (Figure 4). Little in the way of change has occurred in the area by the time of the production of the 2nd edition OS map (Figure 5). There is no evidence of any unrecorded features of archaeological or architectural heritage interest depicted across the proposed development lands on the early edition OS maps. It is evident from the historic mapping that large scale boundary removal and field enlargement was undertaken across the subject area in the latter half of the 20th-century. Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) LIDAR images of this area do not appear to show any discernible archaeological features within the subject site (Figure 6).

Proposed AGI, Ballough, Fingal, County Dublin Archaeological Assessment |20

Figure 4: Extract from the 1st edition 6-inch OS map centred on the proposed development area

Figure 5: Extract from the 2nd edition 25-inch OS map centred on the proposed development area

Proposed AGI, Ballough, Fingal, County Dublin Archaeological Assessment |21

Figure 6: Extract from Lidar Data Index (TII) at location of the subject site (after: Open Topographic Data Viewer)

The proposed development is situated within the parish of Lusk. Lewis’s Topographical Dictionary of Ireland (1837) contains the following description of Lusk:

LUSK, a parish, partly in the barony of NETHERCROSS, but chiefly in that of BALROTHERY, county of DUBLIN, and province of LEINSTER, 4 miles (N.) from Swords, on the road from Dublin City to Skerries ; containing, with the town of Rush, 5849 inhabitants, of which number, 924 are in the village of Lusk.

This place was chiefly distinguished as the site of a monastery, over which St, Macculind, styled indifferently abbot or bishop, presided till his death in 497. Cassan, a learned scribe, who is called the chronographer of Lusk, died abbot of this monastery in 695; and either in that or the following year, a grand synod was held here by St. Adamnanus, at which all the principal prelates of the kingdom were present. In 825 the abbey was plundered and destroyed, and in 854 it was, together with the whole town, consumed by fire; it also suffered a similar calamity in 1069; and in 1135 the town and abbey were burned and the whole country of Fingal wasted by Donel Mac Murrogh O'Melaghlin, in revenge for the murder of his brother Conor, prince of Meath. In 1190, a nunnery for sisters of the Aroasian order, which had been founded here at an early period and subsequently appropriated to the priory of All Saints, Dublin, was removed to Grace Dieu, in this parish, by John Comyn, Archbishop of Dublin, who placed in it a sisterhood following the rule of St. Augustine, and endowed it with ample possessions, which were confirmed to it by Pope Celestine in 1196.

The parish is divided into three parts, called East, West, and Middle Lusk, of which the last is in the barony of Nethercross, and the two former in that of Balrothery. The land, with the exception of about 150 acres of sand hills is fertile and in good cultivation; 150.50 acres are appropriated to the economy fund of the Cathedral of St. Patrick, Dublin; and there are about 200 acres of common, which is good grazing land. There are some quarries of good limestone, in which are found beautiful crystals, and of stone of good quality for

Proposed AGI, Ballough, Fingal, County Dublin Archaeological Assessment |22 building ; fullers' earth is also found in the parish, and at Loughshinny are veins of copper, but no mines have been worked.

The principal seats are Corduff House, the residence of the Rev. F. Baker, at one time occupied by Stanihurst, the historian ; Knock Ardmin, of J. Smith, Esq. ; Rochestown, of J. Rochford, Esq. ; Bettyville, of ?? Byrne, Esq. ; the glebe-house, of the Rev. R. Macklin ; and Kennure Park, of Sir W. H. Palmer, Bart., which last is described under the head of Rush.

The village is pleasantly situated on the road from Dublin, and the surrounding scenery is agreeably diversified. At Rogerstown is a good quay for landing coal; and from a document dated 1175, prohibiting the illicit exportation of corn, and the departure of any of the retinue of William de Windsor from the port of Lusk, it appears that this place formerly possessed some maritime importance. Fairs are held on May 4th, June 24th, July 25th, and Nov, 25th, chiefly for cattle. A constabulary police force has been established here, and also a coast-guard station belonging to the district of Swords.

The living is a rectory and vicarage, in the diocese of Dublin; the rectory is divided into two portions, one united to the rectories of Ardrie, St. Andrew, and Burgage, together constituting the corps of the precentorship, and the other forming part of the union of Ballymore and corps of the treasurership, in the cathedral church of St. Patrick, Dublin, and both in the patronage of the Archbishop; the vicarage is in the alternate patronage of the Precentor and the Treasurer. The tithes amount to £985. 8s. 6.75d., of which £40 is payable to the vicar, and the remainder to the lessees of the precentor and treasurer. The lands belonging to the precentorship comprise 986.50 statute acres, of which 71 are in Lusky 154 in Ardree, and 670.50 in Burgage, exclusively of the chanter's orchard and garden in the precincts of the cathedral church, three tenements in St. Patrick's close, and two houses in Bride-street, and four in Dame-street Dublin; the whole let at an annual rent of £238. 11s. 6.50d., and an annual renewal fine of £83. 1s. 6.50d.: the gross value of the precentorship is £346. 8s. 3.75d., and of the vicarage, £120 per annum. The glebe-house was built in 1821; the late Board of First Fruits gave £400, and granted a loan of £400 towards its erection: there are two glebes, comprising together 22 acres. In the Roman Catholic divisions this place is a deanery, comprising the unions or districts of Lusk, Rush, Skerries, Ballyboghill, Garristown, Donaghbate, and Portrane. The chapel, a spacious edifice, was erected in 1809, at an expense of £2000, nearly half of which was given by James Dixon, Esq., of Kilmainham, and the reremainder raised by subscription ; attached to it is a burial ground.

About 300 children are taught in three public schools, of which two are under the new Board of Education, and one is supported by subscription ; there are also four private schools, in which are about 80 children. There are some remains of an ancient church and castle in the demesne of Kennure, and also of the chapel of the convent at Grace Dieu, which, though never extensive, exhibits details of a superior character ; and at Whitestown are also the ruins of an old church, dedicated to St. Maur. At Drummanagh and Rush are martello towers; and at the former place the remains of an extensive encampment, commanding a fine view of the surrounding country and of the sea. In digging the foundation for the glebe-house, several stone coffins were found, containing human bones.

Legal and Policy Context The management and protection of cultural heritage in Ireland is achieved through a framework of international conventions and national laws and policies. This is undertaken in accordance with the provisions of the European Convention on the Protection of the Archaeological Heritage (Valletta Convention). The archaeological resource includes both recorded and unknown sub- surface sites and monuments from the prehistoric period until the post-medieval period (1550+ AD).

Proposed AGI, Ballough, Fingal, County Dublin Archaeological Assessment |23 The National Monuments Acts 1930 to 2004, the Heritage Act 1995 and relevant provisions of the National Cultural Institutions Act 1997 are the primary means of ensuring the satisfactory protection of archaeological remains, which are deemed to include all man-made structures, of whatever form or date, except buildings habitually used for ecclesiastical purposes. A National Monument is described as ‘a monument or the remains of a monument, the preservation of which is a matter of national importance by reason of the historical, architectural, traditional, artistic or archaeological interest attaching thereto’ (Section 2, National Monument Act, 1930). There are no National Monuments within the study area. The Record of Monuments and Places (RMP) was established under Section 12 (1) of the National Monuments (Amendment) Act, 1994 and replaced the earlier Sites and Monuments Record (SMR). It comprises of lists and maps of archaeological monuments and relevant places in respect of each county in the State. All sites recorded on the RMP receive statutory protection under the National Monuments Act 1994 and any work undertaken at these sites must be licenced by the National Monuments Service (NMS). The RMP lists twelve archaeological sites (Table 1) within the study area and their descriptions are provided below (see Appendix 1).

Protection of the architectural/built heritage resource is provided through a range of legal and policy instruments. The Heritage Act, (1995) protects all heritage buildings owned by a local authority from damage and destruction. The Architectural Heritage Act, 1999, requires the Minister to establish a survey to identify; record and evaluate the architectural heritage of the country. The function of the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (NIAH) is to record built heritage structures within the Republic of Ireland and to advise local authorities in relation to structures of interest within their areas. There are no NIAH structures located within 1000m of the outer boundaries of the proposed development.

The Local Government (Planning and Development) Act, 2000, requires all Planning Authorities to keep a ‘Record of Protected Structures’ (RPS) of special architectural, historical, archaeological, artistic, cultural, scientific, social or technical interest. As of the 1st January 2000, all structures listed for protection in current Development Plans, have become ‘protected structures’. Since the introduction of this legislation, planning permission is required for any works to a protected structure that would affect its character. Fingal County Council has adopted a Development Plan valid between 2017 and 2023.

The Record of Protected Structures (RPS) as published by Fingal County Council was consulted for the townlands within the study area. The RPS lists two protected structures within these townlands (RPS No. 171 – Cosy Cottage, Knightstown Rd., Johnstown, Lusk; RPS No. 319 – Moated site, Newtowncorduff, Lusk). However, both protected structures are located outside of the study area which comprises areas within 1km of the outer boundaries of the proposed development. As such, the proposed development will have no negative impact on any structure listed in the Fingal County Record of Protected Structures.

Proposed AGI, Ballough, Fingal, County Dublin Archaeological Assessment |24 4. Description of subject site

Field Survey An archaeological field survey of all fields within the proposed development site was undertaken on the 24th of August 2018. Each field was designated an individual number and independently surveyed. All fields were accessible, and the site was assessed in terms of landscape, land use, vegetation cover, presence or lack of both known and potential archaeological sites. A photographic record of the site inspection was compiled, and extracts are presented in the Appendix 2 to this report. A description of each field is provided in Table 4.

Figure 7: Depiction of field numbers utilised for field survey of proposed development area

Table 4: Description of individual fields within the proposed development site Field Description 1 Irregularly shaped, level, rough pasture field with maximum dimensions of c.360m NW-SE by c.240m NE-SW. Depicted as five separate fields on both the 1st and 2nd edition OS maps. Route of north to south aligned gas pipeline evident on aerial imagery extending across eastern portion of field. Northern boundary formed by a deep channeled stream. Eastern boundary formed by earthen ditch. Irregular southern boundary formed by bank and ditch. Western boundary, which borders existing service road, formed by metal security fence. No features of archaeological potential noted.

Proposed AGI, Ballough, Fingal, County Dublin Archaeological Assessment |25 Field Description 2 Triangular shaped, generally level, tillage field located to immediate west of M1 motorway. The field has maximum dimensions of c.260m NNE-SSW by c.270m WNW-ESE. Depicted as three separate fields on the 1st and 2nd edition OS maps. North and north-eastern boundaries formed by the motorway. Southern and western boundaries formed earthen field boundary. No features of archaeological potential noted.

3 Elongated, irregularly shaped, level, tillage field with maximum dimensions of c.305m WNW-ESE by c.150m NNE-SSW. Depicted as two separately enclosed fields the 1st edition OS map, dividing boundary along central area had been removed by the time of the production of the 2nd edition map. The outline of this boundary is evident on aerial imagery but is difficult to discern at ground level. No features of archaeological potential noted.

4 Western portion of an irregularly shaped, level, tillage field with maximum dimensions of c.360m E-W by 230m N-S, area within development measures a max of c.200m E-W. Depicted as two separate fields on the 1st edition OS map and three separate fields of the 2nd edition OS map. Northern, western and southern boundary formed by low earthen bank and hedgerow. No features of archaeological potential noted.

Proposed AGI, Ballough, Fingal, County Dublin Archaeological Assessment |26 5. Assessment of impacts

Do Nothing Scenario A ‘Do Nothing Scenario’ will see to the continued preservation of recorded and potential cultural heritage features within the study area.

Construction phase The nearest recorded archaeological site to elements of the proposed scheme, which is scheduled for inclusion in the next revision of the RMP, is that of a linear field ditch (DU008-066----) which is located c.170m east of the route of the proposed interconnecting pipeline in the southern portion of Baldrumman townland (ITM Co-ordinates 718667, 755182). The development of the subject site will not give rise to a direct impact on the site itself. This site was partially excavated in 2002 prior to the construction of the M1 motorway in this area (Chapple, 02E0078). Excavation revealed that the ditch, which contained over 100 sherds of medieval and post-medieval pottery, extended westwards beyond the limit of excavation. It is possible that this linear ditch extends into the proposed area of works associated with the interconnecting pipeline. The excavator also surmised that the pottery was likely derived from a nearby area of habitation which was not uncovered during that particular excavation. The presence of the above site, as well two further sites identified in the vicinity of the proposed scheme during investigations associated with previous infrastructural projects (DU007-072001- Ring ditch (c.450m to WNW); DU007-073---- Burnt mound (c.430m to NW)), indicates that the general location of the proposed scheme has a heightened archaeological potential.

The general landscape around the proposed scheme contains a high number of recorded archaeological monuments dating from the prehistoric period onwards. In addition, a number of excavations (as detailed in Table 2 above) with the study area have demonstrated the potential presence of unrecorded, sub-surface archaeological within the wider study area. On balance, the greenfield elements of the development site are considered to be of high archaeological potential whilst the existing developed areas such as the motorway, landscaped margins and internal roadways serving the motorway service stations are devoid of archaeological potential.

The proposed site extends over a relatively large area and will entail extensive sub-surface ground disturbance. There exists the possibility of impacting on the sub-surface remains of previously unrecorded archaeological remains.

Residual impacts of the development Should the proposed mitigation measures be followed as recommended, this shall provide for either the avoidance of any archaeological resource or the proper and adequate recording of this resource (including presently unknown potential archaeological features). As a result, there shall be no residual effects on the archaeological resource following construction of the proposed development.

Proposed AGI, Ballough, Fingal, County Dublin Archaeological Assessment |27 6. Mitigation Measures

The nearest recorded archaeological site to elements of the proposed scheme, which is scheduled for inclusion in the next revision of the RMP, is that of a linear field ditch (Monument Number DU008-066----) which is located c.170m east of the route of the proposed interconnecting pipeline in the southern portion of Baldrumman townland (ITM Co-ordinates 718667, 755182). The development of the subject site will not give rise to a direct impact on the site itself. However the general landscape around the proposed scheme contains a high number of recorded archaeological monuments dating from the prehistoric period onwards.

Given the high archaeological potential of these lands, it is recommended that two phases of archaeological investigations should take place. The first phase would consist of a pre- development programme of licensed archaeological testing of the footprint of the proposed Above Ground Installation (AGI). The second phase should consist of licensed monitoring of groundworks associated with the pipelaying works and connections to be made to the existing gas pipelines.

Existing developed areas such as the motorway, landscaped margins and internal roadways serving the motorway service stations are devoid of archaeological potential and will not require archaeological intervention.

Proposed AGI, Ballough, Fingal, County Dublin Archaeological Assessment |28 7. References

Aalen, F.H.A. et al (1997) Atlas of the Irish Rural Landscape. Cork University Press, Cork

Lewis, S. (1837) A Topographical Dictionary of Ireland. Lewis and Son, London.

Websites consulted www.excavation.ie wwww.archaeology.ie www.logainm.ie http://gisteagasc.ie/soils/map.php (soil) http;//spatial dcenr.gov.ie/imf/imf.jsp? site=GSI _Simple (Bedrock) http://maps.osi.ie/publicviewer/#V2,591271,743300,1,10(Maps) https://dcenr.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=b7c4b0e763964070ad69b f8c1572c9f5 (Lidar from the Open Topographic Data Viewer)

Proposed AGI, Ballough, Fingal, County Dublin Archaeological Assessment |29 Appendix 1: Archaeological Inventory Entries

The following descriptions of the archaeological sites listed in the Record of Monuments and Places within the study area. These descriptions are sourced from the Archaeological Survey of Ireland’s website (www.archaeology.ie).

DU007-040---- Class: Ecclesiastical site Townland: NEVITT Scheduled for inclusion in the next revision of the RMP: Yes Description: The placename 'Nevitt' has been in use since the 14th century suggesting antiquity. It may have derived from Neimhead or in Old Irish Nemed meaning a sanctuary site (Lohan 2006, 4). More precise placename evidence in the centre of this townland i. e. 'Chapel bank' and 'church Park' supports this interpretation. Geophysical analysis (05R062) of this area identified portion of a possible multi-phase large multi-ditched enclosure with radials and external ancillary activity.

DU007-052---- Class: Enclosure Townland: COLECOT Scheduled for inclusion in the next revision of the RMP: Yes Description: A square enclosure visible as a crop mark on an aerial photograph (SMR file; pers. comm. T. Condit). Located within flat arable land. No visible remains.

DU007-071---- Class: Enclosure Townland: JOHNSTOWN (Balrothery East By.) Scheduled for inclusion in the next revision of the RMP: Yes Description: Geophysical survey (Licence no. 05R062) undertaken in advance of a proposed landfill site identified a sub-circular enclosure (c.40m diam.) with possible internal features (Lohan 2006, 7).

DU007-072001- Class: Ring-ditch Townland: BALDRUMMAN Scheduled for inclusion in the next revision of the RMP: No Description: One of two Iron Age ring ditches (see also DU007-076002-) excavated in advance of a service station on the M1 near Lusk (Reg. no. E4030). Ring-ditch 1 (7.8m external diameter) was circular shaped with a W-facing entrance (2.2m wide). No cremated bone was recovered from this ring-ditch but four artefacts were discovered including a partially decayed iron sickle head and a second fragment from a sickle (Russell 2009, 23).

DU007-073---- Class: Burnt mound Townland: BALDRUMMAN Scheduled for inclusion in the next revision of the RMP: Yes

Proposed AGI, Ballough, Fingal, County Dublin Archaeological Assessment |30 Description: Burnt mound material was identified during monitoring of drainage ditches (Licence number 02E0038) on the Airport-Balbriggan bypass. The monument was preserved in-situ (Lynch 2004, 137).

DU008-007---- Class: Windmill Townland: BALLOUGH Scheduled for inclusion in the next revision of the RMP: No Description: Foundations of a windmill marked on the 1837 OS 6-inch map. The base of this windmill is evident as a slightly raised area (Diam. 18.50m) enclosed by a ditch (Wth 8m, D 0.40m). According to the owner the ditch had been deeper prior to levelling c. 1985. Post-1700 AD in date.

DU008-062---- Class: Fulacht fia Townland: JORDANSTOWN (Balrothery East By.) Scheduled for inclusion in the next revision of the RMP: No Description: During topsoil removal for a Gas Pipeline in 2002 an irregular shaped spread of firing material was identified. This was sub-circular in shape (L1.4m, Wth 1.2m). It is located in rolling landscape which slopes to the E alongside a stream. S of the spread a sub-circular trough (L1.26m, Wth 1.12m, D 0.39m) was revealed. It has steep sides and a shallow, almost flat base (Tobin, 2004, 162).

DU008-066---- Class: Field system Townland: BALLOUGH Scheduled for inclusion in the next revision of the RMP: Yes Description: During monitoring on the Northern Motorway in 2002 a linear field ditch was uncovered. This is located in gently sloping ground. This had steep, concave sides and a concave base (L42.88m, Wth 1.42m, D 0.7m) and ran E-W. The ditch produced burnt and unburnt animal bone, 100 sherds of medieval and post Medieval pottery and blackberry/raspberry seeds (Chapple 2004, 122-123).

DU008-091---- Class: Kiln - corn-drying Townland: JORDANSTOWN (Balrothery East By.) Scheduled for inclusion in the next revision of the RMP: No Description: Excavated in advance of the gas pipeline to the west (Licence no. 02E0684), this was a cluster of five kilns (average 2m diam.) These figure-of-eight to keyhole-shaped kilns appear to have been deliberately backfilled after use (Tobin 2007, 221).

DU008-092---- Class: Fulacht fia Townland: JORDANSTOWN (Balrothery East By.) Scheduled for inclusion in the next revision of the RMP: Yes Description: Excavated in advance of the Gas Pipeline to the West (Licence no. 02E0686). Located in a rolling well-drained landscape the monument consisted of an irregularly shaped spread (1.4m x 1.2m) of

Proposed AGI, Ballough, Fingal, County Dublin Archaeological Assessment |31 firing material. The trough was sub-circular in plan (1.26m diam.) and appeared to have been abandoned and partially silted up (Tobin 2007, 220).

DU008-095---- Class: Pit Townland: BALLOUGH Scheduled for inclusion in the next revision of the RMP: No Description: Identified during pre-development works for the M1 (Licence no. 01E1138) this site consisted of five large prehistoric pits 91.6m-3m diam.), possibly of Bronze Age date. To the east of the pits was a small area of c.5m sq. contained eleven pits, two post-holes and eighteen stake-holes. A subcircular pit (0.55m by 0.22m) produced a quantity of burnt bone, and an oval pit (0.16m by 0.14m), produced a single struck flint, a carbonised hazelnut shell (Corylus avellana), a carbonised fruit stone and a single sherd of prehistoric pottery. (Chapple 2002, 21).

DU008-096---- Class: Enclosure Townland: NEWTOWNCORDUFF Scheduled for inclusion in the next revision of the RMP: Yes Description: Geophysical survey (Licence no. 13R023) was undertaken for route selection of the Greater Dublin Drainage Scheme. The results indicate an enclosure complex defined by a sub-rectangular arrangement of magnetically strong linear ditch remains with peripheral curvilinear anomalies to the south-east and weak trends to the east, south-east, west, and south-west. Combined these anomalies extend c.50m north/south by c.77m east/west (Nicholls 2013).

Proposed AGI, Ballough, Fingal, County Dublin Archaeological Assessment |32 Appendix 2: Photographic record

Plate 1: View east of mid-section of Field 1. This field consists of rough pasture

Plate 2: Localised central sections of Field 1 are poorly drain and unimproved

Proposed AGI, Ballough, Fingal, County Dublin Archaeological Assessment |33

Plate 3: View of Field 1, from south

Plate 4: View of overgrown field boundary on southern side Field 1 – consists of deep ditch (drain) and earthen bank

Proposed AGI, Ballough, Fingal, County Dublin Archaeological Assessment |34

Plate 5: View of section of the motorway under which the proposed 750mm pipeline will be directionally drilled

Plate 6: View of interior of Field 2, facing north-east – M1 motorway in background

Proposed AGI, Ballough, Fingal, County Dublin Archaeological Assessment |35

Plate 7: View eastwards across Field 3 – a linear field ditch (DU008-066----) is located within this field but c.170m east of the route of the proposed interconnecting pipeline

Plate 8: View south of the proposed alignment for the pipeline within Field 4. The proposed pipeline will link with the existing “Gas Pipeline to the West” which transverses this field.

Proposed AGI, Ballough, Fingal, County Dublin Archaeological Assessment |36