Vol. 542 No. 2
422 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands the reason she gave 19 separate archaeological excavation licences for archaeological excavations at Kilsharvan, County Meath, in respect of the motorway; the features of the areas that have so far been rescued from destruction as a result of the excavation; and the criteria used in deciding on the extent and location of the license in this case. [23858/01]
During the soil stripping phases of road construction in the townland of Kilsharvan a number of possible archaeological features were uncovered. These features lay in the course of the road at various locations over a distance of 1.6 km. The consultant archaeologist requested 19 licences to mitigate the archaeology along this stretch of roadway. The number of licences involved reflects both the variety and extensiveness of archaeological features uncovered in this area.
The features included burnt soil, charcoal deposits, pits, cobbling, flint and pottery fragments, all of which were excavated before the road construction works and a full record of the features is being prepared. Preservation by record in this manner is consistent with my Department's policy in dealing with sites where impacts from development are unavoidable.
All applicants for archaeological licences are required to submit an application form giving details of the proposed excavation and which includes a statement on the proposed methodology for undertaking the work. This enables my officials to assess the proposed excavation to ensure that the purpose of the excavation is validated and that correct procedures and standards will be applied to the excavation. The criteria for such excavation is published in guidelines issued by my Department, a copy of which I will forward to the Deputy.
423 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Arts, Heritage Gaeltacht and the Islands the purpose of the archaeological excavation license granted for excavation works at Dunboyne Castle Estate, Dunboyne, County Meath; the matters for which tests are being undertaken under this license; and if the work is completed. [23859/01]
The excavation licence referred to by the Deputy was issued in respect of a pre-planning application relating to a proposed development of a hotel, leisure facility and residential housing on a site which is partially within and adjacent to the zone of archaeological potential identified for Dunboyne.
The assessment was requested by my Department to provide archaeological and historical background for the development site and to establish the nature, extent and location of any archaeological remains on the site. This information will allow my officials to make an informed decision on the likely impact, if any, on any archaeological material present should this proposed development be granted planning permission. My understanding is that the test excavations have been completed and the licence holder is currently preparing a report of the excavation results. This will be submitted to my Department in the near future.
