ARCHAEOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT AT BEACH ROAD, SANDYMOUNT, DUBLIN 4
ON BEHALF OF: MAXOL PROPERTY LIMITED
AUTHOR: MAEVE TOBIN
MAY 2021
Beach Road, Archaeological Assessment Sandymount, Dublin 4
ABSTRACT
Irish Archaeological Consultancy Ltd has prepared this report on behalf of Maxol Property Limited to study the impact, if any, on the archaeological and historical resource of the proposed redevelopment of a site on the Beach Road, Sandymount, Dublin 4 (OS Sheet 22). The report was undertaken by Maeve Tobin of IAC Ltd.
The proposed development area is situated within the townland of Irishtown in Donnybrook Parish, Dublin 4. The site currently comprises a garage show room and petrol station, with adjoining forecourt. The site has undergone significant excavation and disturbance to facilitate the construction of underground fuel storage tanks.
The zone of notification for settlement DU018-054 extends partially within the northern boundary of the current site however a review of the historic mapping indicates that the focus of Irishtown lay to the north of Church Avenue. Previous archaeological investigations carried out along Irishtown Road have not identified any historic fabric pre-dating the current buildings. It appears that the proposed development area remained as undeveloped tidal marsh land until it was reclaimed in the early 19th century. A house, Erith Lodge, and gatehouse were built on the site at this time and these continued in use well into the 20th century. No extant remains of these buildings survive.
While the site is partially located within the periphery of the zone of notification for the historic settlement of Irishtown (DU018-054) it is clear that the area has been subject to significant ground disturbance during the later 20th century to facilitate construction of the complex. As such, no negative impacts are predicted upon the archaeological resource as a result of the development going ahead.
No further archaeological mitigation is deemed to be required as part of the proposed development.
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CONTENTS
ABSTRACT ...... I CONTENTS ...... II List of Figures...... iii List of Plates ...... iii 1 INTRODUCTION ...... 1 1.1 General ...... 1 1.2 The Development ...... 1 2 METHODOLOGY ...... 3 2.1 Paper Survey ...... 3 2.2 Field Inspection ...... 5 3 RESULTS OF DESKTOP STUDY ...... 6 3.1 Archaeological and Historical Background ...... 6 3.2 Summary of Previous Archaeological Fieldwork ...... 8 3.3 Cartographic Analysis ...... 8 3.4 City Development Plan ...... 9 3.5 Aerial Photographic Analysis ...... 9 4 RESULTS OF FIELD INSPECTION ...... 10 4.1 Field Inspection ...... 10 4.2 Conclusions ...... 10 5 IMPACT ASSESSMENT AND MITIGATION STRATEGY ...... 11 5.1 Impact Assessment ...... 11 5.2 Mitigation ...... 11 6 REFERENCES ...... 12 APPENDIX 1 SMR/RMP SITES WITHIN THE SURROUNDING AREA ...... I APPENDIX 2 STRAY FINDS WITHIN THE SURROUNDING AREA ...... III APPENDIX 3 LEGISLATION PROTECTING THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCE ...... IV APPENDIX 4 IMPACT ASSESSMENT AND THE CULTURAL HERITAGE RESOURCE.... VII APPENDIX 5 MITIGATION MEASURES AND THE CULTURAL HERITAGE RESOURCE . IX
FIGURES
PLATES
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LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1 Site location (Google Earth, May 2017) Figure 2 Extract from the RMP map showing the proposed development area Figure 3 Plan of the proposed development Figure 4 Extract from historic maps (1655–1816) showing approximate location of proposed development area Figure 5 Extract from historic maps (1837 and 1906) showing the proposed development area
LIST OF PLATES Plate 1 Proposed development area, facing northwest Plate 2 Proposed development area, facing northwest Plate 3 Church Avenue bordering site to north, facing west Plate 4 Church and Graveyard (DU018-054001–2), facing northwest
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1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 GENERAL The following report details an archaeological assessment undertaken in advance of a proposed redevelopment of a site on Beach Road, Sandymount, Dublin 4 (Figure 1). This assessment has been carried out to ascertain the potential impact of the proposed development on the archaeological and historical resource that may exist within the area. The assessment was undertaken by Maeve Tobin of Irish Archaeological Consultancy Ltd, on behalf of Maxol Property Limited.
The archaeological assessment involved a detailed study of the archaeological and historical background of the proposed development site and the surrounding area. This included information from the Record of Monuments and Places of Dublin, the topographical files within the National Museum and all available cartographic and documentary sources for the area (Figure 2). A field inspection has also been carried out with the aim to identify any previously unrecorded features of archaeological or historical interest.
1.2 THE DEVELOPMENT Maxol Property Limited intend to apply to An Bord Pleanála for permission for a strategic housing development at this site Maxol Filling Station and a vacant motor sales/service garage (formerly Michael Grant Motors), Beach Road, Dublin 4 (Eircodes D04 A9P3 and D04 T4A0).
The development will consist of: the demolition and removal of all existing buildings and associated structures above and below ground (total 1,311 sq m) and the construction of a 6-storey apartment building (with set-backs at Third, Fourth and Fifth Floor Levels) (accommodating 112 No. apartments (56 No. 1-bed and 56 No. 2- bed units) and 297 sq m communal space primarily comprising a gym, lounge, work space, bookable room, office and parcel store) over single basement level (accommodating 79 No. car parking spaces (including 2 No. car club spaces), 4 No. motorbike parking spaces, 224 No. bicycle spaces, together with ancillary areas including circulation, plant, attenuation tank, waste management storage areas, and service areas).
Vehicular and pedestrian access to the site will be from Beach Road with additional pedestrian access via Church Avenue; (the total gross floor area of the proposed development is 12,273 sq m (including basement of 2,679 sq m and a detached single storey ground floor ESB Substation/ switchroom of 25 sq m)).
The development will also consist of the provision of: private open space in the form of balconies and terraces (on the Beach Road, Church Avenue frontages and to the rear of the building on the northwestern, southeastern and southwestern facades), and semi-private and public open space at ground level; all hard and soft landscaping including boundary treatments; changes in levels; plant; PV panels; SUDs' measures including a green roof; 10 No. bicycle spaces at ground level; waste collection area;
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2 METHODOLOGY
Research for this report was undertaken in two phases. The first phase comprised a paper survey of all available archaeological, historical and cartographic sources. The second phase involved a field inspection of the site.
2.1 PAPER SURVEY • Record of Monuments and Places for County Dublin; • Sites and Monuments Record for County Dublin; • National Monuments in State Care Database; • Preservation Orders List; • Topographical files of the National Museum of Ireland; • Cartographic and written sources relating to the study area; • Dublin City Development Plan 2016–2022; • Aerial photographs; • Excavations Bulletin (1970−2020).
Record of Monuments and Places (RMP) is a list of archaeological sites known to the National Monuments Section, which are afforded legal protection under Section 12 of the 1994 National Monuments Act and are published as a record.
Sites and Monuments Record (SMR) holds documentary evidence and field inspections of all known archaeological sites and monuments. Some information is also held about archaeological sites and monuments whose precise location is not known e.g. only a site type and townland are recorded. These are known to the National Monuments Section as ‘un-located sites’ and cannot be afforded legal protection due to lack of locational information. As a result these are omitted from the Record of Monuments and Places. SMR sites are also listed on a website maintained by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage (DoHLGH) – www.archaeology.ie.
National Monuments in State Care Database is a list of all the National Monuments in State guardianship or ownership. Each is assigned a National Monument number whether in guardianship or ownership and has a brief description of the remains of each Monument.
The Minister for the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage may acquire national monuments by agreement or by compulsory order. The state or local authority may assume guardianship of any national monument (other than dwellings). The owners of national monuments (other than dwellings) may also appoint the Minister or the local authority as guardian of that monument if the state or local authority agrees. Once the site is in ownership or guardianship of the state, it may not be interfered with without the written consent of the Minister.
Preservation Orders List contains information on Preservation Orders and/or Temporary Preservation Orders, which have been assigned to a site or sites. Sites
3 IRISH ARCHAEOLOGICAL CONSULTANCY LTD Beach Road, Archaeological Assessment Sandymount, Dublin 4 deemed to be in danger of injury or destruction can be allocated Preservation Orders under the 1930 Act. Preservation Orders make any interference with the site illegal. Temporary Preservation Orders can be attached under the 1954 Act. These perform the same function as a Preservation Order but have a time limit of six months, after which the situation must be reviewed. Work may only be undertaken on or in the vicinity of sites under Preservation Orders with the written consent, and at the discretion, of the Minister.
Topographical files of the National Museum of Ireland is the national archive of all known finds recorded by the National Museum. This archive relates primarily to artefacts but also includes references to monuments and unique records of previous excavations. The find spots of artefacts are important sources of information on the discovery of sites of archaeological significance.
Cartographic sources are important in tracing land use development within the development area as well as providing important topographical information on areas of archaeological potential and the development of buildings. Cartographic analysis of all relevant maps has been made to identify any topographical anomalies or structures that no longer remain within the landscape.
• Down Survey Map, Barony of Rathdown, 1656–1658 • John Rocque’s Survey of the City Harbour Bay and Environs of Dublin, 1757 • John Rocque’s Exact survey of the city and suburbs of Dublin, 1760 • John Taylor’s Map of the Environs of Dublin, 1816 • Ordnance Survey maps of County Dublin, 1837, 1871, and 1906
Documentary sources were consulted to gain background information on the archaeological, architectural and cultural heritage landscape of the proposed development area.
Development Plans contain a catalogue of all the Protected Structures and archaeological sites within the county. The Dublin City Development Plan (2016– 2022) was consulted to obtain information on cultural heritage sites in and within the immediate vicinity of the proposed development area.
Aerial photographic coverage is an important source of information regarding the precise location of sites and their extent. It also provides initial information on the terrain and its likely potential for archaeology. A number of sources were consulted including aerial photographs held by the Ordnance Survey and Google Earth.
Excavations Bulletin is a summary publication that has been produced every year since 1970. This summarises every archaeological excavation that has taken place in Ireland during that year up until 2010 and since 1987 has been edited by Isabel Bennett. This information is vital when examining the archaeological content of any area, which may not have been recorded under the SMR and RMP files. This information is also available online (www.excavations.ie) from 1970−2020.
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2.2 FIELD INSPECTION Field inspection is necessary to determine the extent and nature of archaeological and historical remains, and can also lead to the identification of previously unrecorded or suspected sites and portable finds through topographical observation and local information.
The archaeological field inspection entailed –
• Walking the proposed development and its immediate environs. • Noting and recording the terrain type and land usage. • Noting and recording the presence of features of archaeological or historical significance. • Verifying the extent and condition of any recorded sites. • Visually investigating any suspect landscape anomalies to determine the possibility of their being anthropogenic in origin.
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3 RESULTS OF DESKTOP STUDY
3.1 ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL BACKGROUND The proposed development area is situated in the townland of Irishtown, Parish of Donnybrook and Barony of Rathdown. The triangular plot is bordered by the Beach Road (R131) to the east, by Church Avenue to the north and by residential and school properties to the south and west. A garage, forecourt and salesroom currently occupy the site.
The area is likely to have comprised estuarine mudflats until the 17th century at which time reclamation commenced in earnest. The northern limit of the proposed development site is situated within the periphery of the zone of notification for a historic settlement cluster - DU018-054. Within this the nearest recorded sub- constraints are Church and Graveyard (DU018-054001-2), which are situated c. 50m northwest of the proposed development area.
3.1.1 Prehistoric Period While it is probable that this area was settled from as early as the Mesolithic period (6000–4000 BC), there are no recorded prehistoric monuments or sites within proximity to the proposed development area. This is likely due to subsequent coastal erosion and development in the last three centuries. Prehistoric occupation is suggested by stray finds, including the earlier caches of flint flakes from Rathfarnham, Dun Laoghaire, Dalkey Island, and Loughlinstown and may indicate small-scale transient settlement along the riverbanks and seashores.
Evidence for Neolithic settlement (c. 4000–2400BC) is tentative, again coming from stray finds of polished stone axe heads at Sandymount (NMI IA/54/76) and at Farranboley (NMI 1935:38). A relatively high number of stray finds from this period have been retrieved from along the banks of the Dodder and other rivers which hint at societies inhabited the general landscape, including high status individuals. More substantial evidence for prehistoric settlement activity in the Liffey Estuary, in the form of Mesolithic and Neolithic fish traps, has been identified at Spencer Dock, 1.5km to the northwest (McQuade 2008, 03E0654).
3.1.2 Early Medieval Period (AD 400–1169) The early cartographic representations of Dublin city indicate the position of the estuary shoreline prior to the commencement of reclamation works. On the northern side of the river it is possible that Amiens Street (formerly the North Strand), represents this former shoreline (De Courcy 1996, 270) whilst the southern shoreline would have included a complex marshy delta at the mouth of the River Dodder. De Courcy also argues that this is likely to have been the position of the shore line as far back as 850AD (ibid. xxvii). The area of proposed development would therefore have been located within the tidal mud flats associated with the estuary and unlikely to have been a site suitable for permanent habitation during the early medieval period or the preceding prehistoric period.
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3.1.3 Medieval Period (AD 1169–1600) Following the Anglo-Norman Invasion in 1169, the medieval town of Dublin enjoyed a period of prosperity and development, which continued until the beginning of the 14th century. This administration was responsible for reinforcing the town walls with defensive towers and improvements including gates along busy streets. Most of the extramural expansion of Hiberno-Norse Dublin had taken place to the south and east, in the area between the Poddle and the Steine rivers. In 1192 the grant of King John describes the City Liberties as extending from ‘Duvenelbroc as far as the Dother and from the Dother to the Sea, namely at Clarade near the sear and from Clarade to Rennivelan’; acknowledging a settlement (DU018-053) at Ringsend by this time. It is likely to be situated near Thorncastle Street with a fording point of the Dodder near the present location of the bridge. The current site footprint is likely to have existed within estuarine mudflats throughout this point with reclamation taking place to the north.
3.1.4 Post-Medieval Period (AD 1600–1900) In the mapping of the 17th and 18th centuries four deep pools were noted around the harbour mouth which provided anchorage at low water including Salmon Pool, Poolbeg and Iron Pool to the south and Clontarf Pool to the north. Poolbeg was known by this name in 1488 and proved a busy location for anchorage in later centuries as the harbour was prone to drying. The increasing shipping traffic to Dublin in the 16th century led the Corporation in 1582 to take steps to erect a fort at Ringsend, in order to secure the revenues due to it from all ships sailing into Dublin. In the early 17th century, violations of the revenue laws had become very frequent, owing to the distance of the Custom House from Ringsend. It was decided in 1620, on the advice of a customs officer called Thomas Cave, to station a revenue surveyor permanently at Ringsend and a Revenue House was built there.
During the later 17th century a large number of dwelling houses are shown by De Gomme (1673) in the vicinity of Irishtown. According to the ‘Ancient Calendar of Records of Dublin in 1654’, Cromwell issued a decree ordering all persons of Irish blood to move two miles outside the city limits (RMP file). This community settled to the south of Ringsend, in an area which then became known as Irishtown.
From the mid-1700s sea bathing and hot and cold water baths had become a major attraction. Richard Cranfield established Cranfield baths in Irishtown – the first hot and cold sea baths in Ireland. Irishtown parish was two and a half by one mile in extent, including Ringsend, Sandymount, Donnybrook and a part of Roebuck, the South Wall and part of Sir John Rogerson’s Quay to the sluice gates.
During the late 19th and 20th century, the landscape containing the proposed development underwent extensive suburban development and the surrounding streets to the north and west contain artisan dwellings of this date. Erith Lodge and gatehouse were present within the proposed development area from at least the 1830s.
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3.2 SUMMARY OF PREVIOUS ARCHAEOLOGICAL FIELDWORK A review of the Excavations Bulletin (1970–2020) has revealed that no programmes of previous archaeological investigation have been undertaken within the proposed development area. In the wider area three investigations have been carried out to the north within the zone of notification for the settlement DU018-054 (Kehoe 2002, 02E1095; Lohan 2007, 05E0653; and Walsh 2009, 09E0151). No archaeology was identified during these testing and monitoring investigations.
3.3 CARTOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS
Down Survey Map of the Barony of Rathdown and Parish of Donabrook and Tanee, 1656-1658 (Figure 4) The area of proposed development is shown within the tidal zone to the south of a linear settlement, marked as Rings End. The River Dodder enters the estuary to the north.
John Rocque’s Survey of the City Harbour Bay and Environs of Dublin, 1757 (Figure 4) The site is shown within undeveloped tidal marsh land to the south of the settlement known as Irishtown and east of the River Dodder. A road annotated as ‘Irishtown Road’ leads from Beggars Bush in the west. Irishtown comprises two northwest- southeast aligned streets lined with buildings on the coastline. Some tidal pools are shown in the approximate area of the development site. ‘Baths for Women’ are present to the immediate north of Irishtown, with ‘Baths for Men’ located further north at Ringsend. A ‘Conniveing House’ is annotated further to the southeast.
John Rocque’s Map of the City and County of Dublin, 1760 This map contains less detail of the proposed development area than that of 1757 although the Beach Road is shown to the east of site as a more formalised layout. No buildings are shown within the site.
John Taylor’s Map of the Environs of Dublin, 1816 (Figure 4) This map shows the area following the construction of the Grand Canal Docks to the northwest and the restructured road network. A road has been set out which appears to correlate roughly with that known as Cranfield Place to the south of site. This leads to new Baths, southeast of the proposed development area. No buildings are shown within the proposed development area although Irishtown has slightly expanded to the north. A church is annotated for the first time in the town.
First Edition Ordnance Survey Map, 1837, scale 1:10,560 (Figure 5) This is the first detailed cartographic depiction of the proposed development area. The site boundary is set out as per the modern layout. Erith Lodge and gatehouse are present within the southern half of site. With the exception of these buildings no other structures are shown within the proposed development area. Tritonville Cottage is present to the immediate northwest. The baths situated to the southeast of site are now known as Cranfield Baths.
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Ordnance Survey Map, 1906, scale 1:2,500 (Figure 5) The only changes to the proposed development area, since the earlier mapping, include the erection of a shed to the north of Erith Lodge and a sub-division of the garden space. Some minor reclamation works have been carried out to the east of Beach Road which is known as The Green. The land to the south remains undeveloped while the plot to the west comprises short terraces of houses.
3.4 CITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN The Dublin City Development Plan (2016–2022) recognises the statutory protection afforded to recorded monuments under the National Monuments Act (1930–2014). Policies and Objectives relating to archaeological heritage from the development plan are included in Appendix 3.
The northern limit of the proposed development site is situated within the periphery of the zone of notification for settlement cluster DU018-054. Within this the nearest recorded sub-constraints are Church and Graveyard (DU018-054001-2), which are situated c. 50m northwest of the current site (Figure 2). The church also comprises the nearest Protected Structure to the proposed development area.
TABLE 1: Recorded Archaeological Sites (RMPs) RMP NO. LOCATION CLASSIFICATION DISTANCE TO SITE Zone of notification within DU018-054 Irishtown Settlement Cluster north limit of site Zone of notification 5m DU018-054001–2 Irishtown Church & Graveyard northwest, sites 50m away Dublin South DU018-056 Bridge 460m southwest City
3.5 AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS Inspection of the aerial photographic coverage of the proposed development area held by the Ordnance Survey (1995, 2000, and 2005), Google Earth (2008–2015) and Bing Maps (2011) was undertaken as part of this assessment. The site is completely built up and covered in hard standing.
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4 RESULTS OF FIELD INSPECTION
4.1 FIELD INSPECTION The field inspection sought to assess the site, its previous and current land use, the topography and any additional information relevant to the report. During the course of the field investigation the proposed development site and its surrounding environs were inspected.
The area of proposed development comprises a petrol filling station and a service garage and is fully hard landscaped (Plates 1–4). The site is bound to the north by Church Avenue and to the west by Beach Road (R131) and a low boundary wall/ railings line these perimeters. There are no upstanding remains of the former buildings shown on the early 19th and 20th century OS maps. The church and graveyard (DU018-054001–2) are situated to the north of Church Avenue, enclosed by a high boundary wall. The church spire is visible from the site, above the existing garage. The settlement core DU018-054 extends to the north of Church Avenue, along Irishtown Road and Bath Street. No buildings or features associated with this Recorded Monument are situated within the proposed development area.
No evidence of previously unrecorded archaeological sites or features were noted during the field inspection. The site has been heavily disturbed during the later 20th century and it is likely that significant excavation has been undertaken to facilitate construction of underground storage tanks for the fuel station.
4.2 CONCLUSIONS The proposed development area is situated within the townland of Irishtown in Donnybrook Parish, Dublin 4. The site currently comprises a garage show room and petrol station, with adjoining forecourt. The site has undergone significant excavation and disturbance to facilitate the construction of underground storage tanks.
The zone of notification for settlement DU018-054 extends partially into the northern boundary of the current site; however a review of the historic mapping indicates that the focus of Irishtown lay to the north of Church Avenue. Previous archaeological investigations carried out along Irishtown Road have not identified any historic fabric pre-dating the current buildings. It appears that the proposed development area remained as undeveloped tidal marsh land until it was reclaimed in the early 19th century. A house, Erith Lodge, and gatehouse were built on the site at this time and these continued in use well into the 20th century. No extant remains of these buildings survive.
No evidence for above ground, previously unrecorded archaeological sites or features were noted during the field inspection. The site has been heavily disturbed during the later 20th century and significant excavation would have been undertaken to facilitate construction of underground fuel storage tanks. As such the site is deemed to have low archaeological potential.
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5 IMPACT ASSESSMENT AND MITIGATION STRATEGY
Impacts can be identified from detailed information about a project, the nature of the area affected and the range of archaeological resources potentially affected. Archaeological sites can be affected adversely in a number of ways: disturbance by excavation, topsoil stripping; disturbance by vehicles working in unsuitable conditions; and burial of sites, limiting access for future archaeological investigation. Upstanding archaeology can be affected adversely by direct damage or destruction arising from development, from inadvertent damage arising from vibration, undermining etc. and also by indirect impacts to a building’s visual setting, view or curtilage.
5.1 IMPACT ASSESSMENT
• While the site is partially located within the periphery of the zone of notification for the historic settlement of Irishtown (DU018-054) it is clear that the area has been subject to significant ground disturbance during the later 20th century to facilitate construction of the existing garage and underground storage tanks. No negative impacts are predicted upon the archaeological resource as a result of the development going ahead.
5.2 MITIGATION We recommend the following actions in mitigation of the impacts above.
• No further archaeological mitigation is deemed to be required as part of the proposed development.
Please note that all recommendations are subject to approval by the National Monuments Service of the Heritage and Planning Division, Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the Dublin City Archaeologist.
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6 REFERENCES
Bennett, I. (ed.) 1987−2010 Excavations: Summary Accounts of Archaeological Excavations in Ireland. Bray. Wordwell.
Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands. 1999a Framework and Principles for the Protection of the Archaeological Heritage. Dublin. Government Publications Office.
Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands. 1999b Policy and Guidelines on Archaeological Excavation. Dublin. Government Publications Office.
Dublin City Development Plan. 2016–2022.
Environmental Protection Agency. 2015 Draft Advice Notes on Current Practice (in the preparation of Environmental Impact Statements). Dublin. Government Publications Office.
Environmental Protection Agency. 2015 Draft Guidelines on the Information to be Contained in Environmental Impact Statements. Dublin. Government Publications Office.
Institution of Field Archaeologists 2014a Standards & Guidance for Field Evaluation.
Institution of Field Archaeologists 2014b Standards & Guidance for Archaeological Excavation.
Institution of Field Archaeologists 2014c Standards & Guidance for an Archaeological Watching Brief (Monitoring).
Kehoe, H. 2002 Archaeological Assessment Chapel Avenue, Irishtown, Dublin 4 (Licence 02E1095). Report prepared for Saunders and Gray.
Lohan, K. 2007 Archaeological Assessment Irishtown Garda Station, Irishtown, Dublin 4 (Licence 05E0653). Report prepared by Margaret Gowan and Co. Ltd for the OPW.
McQuade, M. 2008 Gone Fishin’. Archaeology Ireland, 8–11.
National Monuments Service, Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Sites and Monuments Record, County Dublin.
National Museum of Ireland. Topographical Files, County Dublin.
Walsh, C. 2009 Archaeological Assessment of a site at 15 Bath Street, Ringsend, Dublin 4 (Licence 09E0151). Report prepared by Archaeological Projects Ltd.
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CARTOGRAPHIC SOURCES
Sir William Petty, Down Survey Map, Barony of Rathdown, 1654–56
John Rocque, Survey of the City Harbour Bay and Environs of Dublin, 1757
John Rocque, Exact survey of the city and suburbs of Dublin, 1760
John Taylor, Map of the Environs of Dublin, 1816
Ordnance Survey maps of County Dublin, 1837, 1871, and 1906
ELECTRONIC SOURCES* www.archaeology.ie – DoHLGH website listing all SMR sites. www.excavations.ie – Summary of archaeological excavations from 1970−2020 www.heritagemaps.ie – The Heritage Council web-based spatial data viewer which focuses on the built, cultural and natural heritage. www.googleearth.com – Satellite imagery of the proposed development area. www.osiemaps.ie – Ordnance Survey aerial photographs (1995, 2000 & 2005) and 6- inch/25-inch maps.
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APPENDIX 1 SMR/RMP SITES WITHIN THE SURROUNDING AREA
SMR NO. DU018-054 RMP STATUS Yes TOWNLAND Irishtown PARISH Donnybrook BARONY Rathdown I.T.M. 718407, 733555 CLASSIFICATION Settlement Cluster DIST. FROM DEVELOPMENT Zone of notification within north limit of site The Down Survey maps show a large gabled house drawn approximately where Strand St is today. De Gomme in 1673 shows a large number of dwelling houses here. Listed in the Development Plan as a pre-1700 settlement. According to the ‘Ancient Calendar of Records of Dublin in 1654’, Cromwell issued a decree ordering all persons of Irish blood to move 2 miles outside the city limits. A community adjacent to Ringsend was set up which became known as Irishtown. Largely artisan dwellings DESCRIPTION today of 19th / 20th century date. From the mid-1700s sea Bathing and hot and cold water baths had become a major attraction. Richard Cranfield established Cranfield baths in Irishtown – the first hot and cold sea baths in Ireland. Irishtown parish was two and a half by one mile in extent including Ringsend, Sandymount, Donnybrook and a part of Roebuck, the South Wall and part of Sir John Rogersons Quay to the sluice gates. REFERENCE www.archaeology.ie, SMR file
SMR NO. DU018-054001–2 RMP STATUS Yes TOWNLAND Irishtown PARISH Donnybrook BARONY Rathdown I.T.M. 718406, 733488 CLASSIFICATION Church & Graveyard DIST. FROM DEVELOPMENT Zone of notification 5m northwest, sites 50m away Both the royal chapel of St. Matthews at Irishtown, built by the corporation in 1704-6 and little St. Georges have calp-rubble towers of quasi-gothic type. St. Matthews was rebuilt in 1878-9. In St. Matthews one DESCRIPTION can see the last authentic persistence of the Irish Gothic tradition of stepped battlements. See also De Courcy 1996, pg 202, 345 No details of the graveyard. REFERENCE www.archaeology.ie, SMR file
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SMR NO. DU018-056 RMP STATUS Yes TOWNLAND Dublin South City PARISH Donnybrook BARONY Rathdown I.T.M. 718183, 733036 CLASSIFICATION Bridge DIST. FROM DEVELOPMENT 460m southwest DESCRIPTION No details available. REFERENCE www.archaeology.ie, SMR file
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APPENDIX 2 STRAY FINDS WITHIN THE SURROUNDING AREA
Information on artefact finds from the study area in County Dublin has been recorded by the National Museum of Ireland since the late 18th century. Location information relating to these finds is important in establishing prehistoric and historic activity in the study area.
There were no stray finds recorded from the immediate vicinity of the proposed development area. A polished stone axehead (IA/54/76) was retrieved in Sandymount c. 650m to the south from garden soils on Claremount Road.
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APPENDIX 3 LEGISLATION PROTECTING THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCE
PROTECTION OF CULTURAL HERITAGE The cultural heritage in Ireland is safeguarded through national and international policy designed to secure the protection of the cultural heritage resource to the fullest possible extent (Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands 1999, 35). This is undertaken in accordance with the provisions of the European Convention on the Protection of the Archaeological Heritage (Valletta Convention), ratified by Ireland in 1997.
THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCE The National Monuments Act 1930 to 2014 and relevant provisions of the National Cultural Institutions Act 1997 are the primary means of ensuring the satisfactory protection of archaeological remains, which includes 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’ (National Monuments Act 1930 Section 2).
A number of mechanisms under the National Monuments Act are applied to secure the protection of archaeological monuments. These include the Register of Historic Monuments, the Record of Monuments and Places, and the placing of Preservation Orders and Temporary Preservation Orders on endangered sites.
OWNERSHIP AND GUARDIANSHIP OF NATIONAL MONUMENTS The Minister may acquire national monuments by agreement or by compulsory order. The state or local authority may assume guardianship of any national monument (other than dwellings). The owners of national monuments (other than dwellings) may also appoint the Minister or the local authority as guardian of that monument if the state or local authority agrees. Once the site is in ownership or guardianship of the state, it may not be interfered with without the written consent of the Minister.
REGISTER OF HISTORIC MONUMENTS Section 5 of the 1987 Act requires the Minister to establish and maintain a Register of Historic Monuments. Historic monuments and archaeological areas present on the register are afforded statutory protection under the 1987 Act. Any interference with sites recorded on the register is illegal without the permission of the Minister. Two months notice in writing is required prior to any work being undertaken on or in the vicinity of a registered monument. The register also includes sites under Preservation Orders and Temporary Preservation Orders. All registered monuments are included in the Record of Monuments and Places.
PRESERVATION ORDERS AND TEMPORARY PRESERVATION ORDERS Sites deemed to be in danger of injury or destruction can be allocated Preservation Orders under the 1930 Act. Preservation Orders make any interference with the site
iv IRISH ARCHAEOLOGICAL CONSULTANCY LTD Beach Road, Archaeological Assessment Sandymount, Dublin 4 illegal. Temporary Preservation Orders can be attached under the 1954 Act. These perform the same function as a Preservation Order but have a time limit of six months, after which the situation must be reviewed. Work may only be undertaken on or in the vicinity of sites under Preservation Orders with the written consent, and at the discretion, of the Minister.
RECORD OF MONUMENTS AND PLACES Section 12(1) of the 1994 Act requires the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands (now the Minister for the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs) to establish and maintain a record of monuments and places where the Minister believes that such monuments exist. The record comprises a list of monuments and relevant places and a map/s showing each monument and relevant place in respect of each county in the state. All sites recorded on the Record of Monuments and Places receive statutory protection under the National Monuments Act 1994. All recorded monuments on the proposed development site are represented on the accompanying maps.
Section 12(3) of the 1994 Act provides that ‘where the owner or occupier (other than the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands) of a monument or place included in the Record, or any other person, proposes to carry out, or to cause or permit the carrying out of, any work at or in relation to such a monument or place, he or she shall give notice in writing to the Minister of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands to carry out work and shall not, except in the case of urgent necessity and with the consent of the Minister, commence the work until two months after the giving of notice’.
Under the National Monuments (Amendment) Act 2004, anyone who demolishes or in any way interferes with a recorded site is liable to a fine not exceeding €3,000 or imprisonment for up to 6 months. On summary conviction and on conviction of indictment, a fine not exceeding €10,000 or imprisonment for up to 5 years is the penalty. In addition they are liable for costs for the repair of the damage caused.
In addition to this, under the European Communities (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 1989, Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) are required for various classes and sizes of development project to assess the impact the proposed development will have on the existing environment, which includes the cultural, archaeological and built heritage resources. These document’s recommendations are typically incorporated into the conditions under which the proposed development must proceed, and thus offer an additional layer of protection for monuments which have not been listed on the RMP.
THE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT ACT 2000 Under planning legislation, each local authority is obliged to draw up a Development Plan setting out their aims and policies with regard to the growth of the area over a five-year period. They cover a range of issues including archaeology and built heritage, setting out their policies and objectives with regard to the protection and enhancement of both. These policies can vary from county to county. The Planning
IRISH ARCHAEOLOGICAL CONSULTANCY LTD v Beach Road, Archaeological Assessment Sandymount, Dublin 4 and Development Act 2000 recognises that proper planning and sustainable development includes the protection of the archaeological heritage. Conditions relating to archaeology may be attached to individual planning permissions.
Dublin City Development Plan 2016–2022
It is the Policy of Dublin City Council: CHC9: To protect and preserve National Monuments. 1. To protect archaeological material in situ by ensuring that only minimal impact on archaeological layers is allowed, by way of the re-use of buildings, light buildings, foundation design or the omission of basements in the Zones of Archaeological Interest.
2. That where preservation in situ is not feasible, sites of archaeological interest shall be subject to ‘preservation by record’ according to best practice in advance of redevelopment.
3. That sites within Zones of Archaeological Interest will be subject to consultation with the City Archaeologist and archaeological assessment prior to a planning application being lodged.
4. That the National Monuments Service will be consulted in assessing proposals for development which relate to Monuments and Zones of Archaeological Interest.
5. To preserve known burial grounds and disused historic graveyards, where appropriate, to ensure that human remain are re-interred, except where otherwise agreed with the National Museum of Ireland.
8. To have regard to DAHG policy documents and guidelines relating to archaeology.
It is an Objective of Dublin City Council: CHCO10: 1. To implement the archaeological actions of the Dublin City Heritage Plan 2002-6 in light of the Dublin City Heritage Plan Review 2012.
5. To develop a long-term management plan to promote the conservation, management and interpretation of archaeological sites and monuments and to identify areas for strategic research.
7. To promote awareness of, and access to, the city’s archaeological inheritance and foster high-quality public archaeology.
8. To promote archaeological best practice in Dublin city.
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APPENDIX 4 IMPACT ASSESSMENT AND THE CULTURAL HERITAGE RESOURCE
POTENTIAL IMPACTS ON ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL REMAINS Impacts are defined as ‘the degree of change in an environment resulting from a development’ (Environmental Protection Agency 2003: 31). They are described as profound, significant or slight impacts on archaeological remains. They may be negative, positive or neutral, direct, indirect or cumulative, temporary or permanent.
Impacts can be identified from detailed information about a project, the nature of the area affected and the range of archaeological and historical resources potentially affected. Development can affect the archaeological and historical resource of a given landscape in a number of ways.
• Permanent and temporary land-take, associated structures, landscape mounding, and their construction may result in damage to or loss of archaeological remains and deposits, or physical loss to the setting of historic monuments and to the physical coherence of the landscape.
• Archaeological sites can be affected adversely in a number of ways: disturbance by excavation, topsoil stripping and the passage of heavy machinery; disturbance by vehicles working in unsuitable conditions; or burial of sites, limiting accessibility for future archaeological investigation.
• Hydrological changes in groundwater or surface water levels can result from construction activities such as de-watering and spoil disposal, or longer-term changes in drainage patterns. These may desiccate archaeological remains and associated deposits.
• Visual impacts on the historic landscape sometimes arise from construction traffic and facilities, built earthworks and structures, landscape mounding and planting, noise, fences and associated works. These features can impinge directly on historic monuments and historic landscape elements as well as their visual amenity value.
• Landscape measures such as tree planting can damage sub-surface archaeological features, due to topsoil stripping and through the root action of trees and shrubs as they grow.
• Ground consolidation by construction activities or the weight of permanent embankments can cause damage to buried archaeological remains, especially in colluviums or peat deposits.
• Disruption due to construction also offers in general the potential for adversely affecting archaeological remains. This can include machinery, site offices, and service trenches.
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Although not widely appreciated, positive impacts can accrue from developments. These can include positive resource management policies, improved maintenance and access to archaeological monuments, and the increased level of knowledge of a site or historic landscape as a result of archaeological assessment and fieldwork.
PREDICTED IMPACTS The severity of a given level of land-take or visual intrusion varies with the type of monument, site or landscape features and its existing environment. Severity of impact can be judged taking the following into account:
• The proportion of the feature affected and how far physical characteristics fundamental to the understanding of the feature would be lost;
• Consideration of the type, date, survival/condition, fragility/vulnerability, rarity, potential and amenity value of the feature affected;
• Assessment of the levels of noise, visual and hydrological impacts, either in general or site specific terms, as may be provided by other specialists.
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APPENDIX 5 MITIGATION MEASURES AND THE CULTURAL HERITAGE RESOURCE
POTENTIAL MITIGATION STRATEGIES FOR CULTURAL HERITAGE REMAINS Mitigation is defined as features of the design or other measures of the proposed development that can be adopted to avoid, prevent, reduce or offset negative effects.
The best opportunities for avoiding damage to archaeological remains or intrusion on their setting and amenity arise when the site options for the development are being considered. Damage to the archaeological resource immediately adjacent to developments may be prevented by the selection of appropriate construction methods. Reducing adverse effects can be achieved by good design, for example by screening historic buildings or upstanding archaeological monuments or by burying archaeological sites undisturbed rather than destroying them. Offsetting adverse effects is probably best illustrated by the full investigation and recording of archaeological sites that cannot be preserved in situ.
DEFINITION OF MITIGATION STRATEGIES
ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCE The ideal mitigation for all archaeological sites is preservation in situ. This is not always a practical solution, however. Therefore a series of recommendations are offered to provide ameliorative measures where avoidance and preservation in situ are not possible.
Full Archaeological Excavation can be defined as ‘a programme of controlled, intrusive fieldwork with defined research objectives which examines, records and interprets archaeological deposits, features and structures and, as appropriate, retrieves artefacts, ecofacts and other remains within a specified area or site on land, inter- tidal zone or underwater. The records made and objects gathered during fieldwork are studied and the results of that study published in detail appropriate to the project design’ (IFA 2014b).
Archaeological Test Trenching can be defined as ‘a limited programme of intrusive fieldwork which determines the presence or absence of archaeological features, structures, deposits, artefacts or ecofacts within a specified area or site on land, inter- tidal zone or underwater. If such archaeological remains are present field evaluation defines their character, extent, quality and preservation, and enables an assessment of their worth in a local, regional, national or international context as appropriate’ (IFA 2014a).
Archaeological Monitoring can be defined as ‘a formal programme of observation and investigation conducted during any operation carried out for non-archaeological reasons. This will be within a specified area or site on land, inter-tidal zone or underwater, where there is a possibility that archaeological deposits may be
IRISH ARCHAEOLOGICAL CONSULTANCY LTD ix Beach Road, Archaeological Assessment Sandymount, Dublin 4 disturbed or destroyed. The programme will result in the preparation of a report and ordered archive (IFA 2014c).
Underwater Archaeological Assessment consists of a programme of works carried out by a specialist underwater archaeologist, which can involve wade surveys, metal detection surveys and the excavation of test pits within the sea or riverbed. These assessments are able to access and assess the potential of an underwater environment to a much higher degree than terrestrial based assessments.
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Pembrooke Street
Bath Street
Sean Moore Road
Church Avenue
Beach Road (R131)
Site Location
Title Site ocation oogle arth ay Scale TS Drawn by T
Project each Road Sandy o nt D blin Date Checked by F
Client Tho a c llan Job no. J Fig. Rev. N
02E1095
DU018-054 Zone of Notification for 09E0151 Irishtown Settlement DU018-054001 Church
05E0653 DU018-054002 Graveyard
Site Location
Recorded Monuments Protected Structure DU018-056 Title tract ro the R P a howing the ro o ed develo ent area Scale TS Drawn by T Bridge Project each Road Sandy o nt D blin Date Checked by F Previous Investigations Client Tho a c llan Job no. J Fig. Rev. N
Title Plan o ro o ed develo ent Scale TS Drawn by T
Project each Road Sandy o nt D blin Date Checked by F
Client Tho a c llan Job no. J Fig. Rev. Down Survey Barony Map, Rathdown, c. 1655 Rocque, 1757 N N
Rocque, 1760 Taylor, 1816 N N
tract ro hi toric a c. howing a ro i ate location o ro o ed Drawn by Title develo ent area Scale TS T Project each Road Sandy o nt D blin Date Checked by F
Client Tho a c llan Job no. J Fig. Rev. First edition 6-inch OS map, 1837 N
25-inch OS map, 1906 N
Title tract ro hi toric a c. howing ro o ed develo ent area Scale TS Drawn by T
Project each Road Sandy o nt D blin Date Checked by F
Client Tho a c llan Job no. J Fig. Rev. Beach Road, Archaeological Assessment Sandymount, Dublin 4
Plate 1 Proposed development area, facing northwest Plate 2 Proposed development area, facing northwest
Plate 3 Church Avenue bordering site to north, facing west Plate 4 Church and Graveyard (DU018-054001–2), facing northwest
IRISH ARCHAEOLOGICAL CONSULTANCY LTD PLATES