As part of the route selection process, the environmental impact study and the planning process, an assessment was made of the effects of the proposed route on known and potential archaeological sites in the area. The assessment included a desktop, aerial, field and geophysical survey of the entire route. Following the selection and approval of the route and during the tender process, an extensive programme of archaeological, test excavations and surveys were also carried out on the route.
The construction phase requires that all topsoil disturbance is archaeologically monitored. In advance of works, an archaeological strategy document and design statement was prepared by M3 Motorway JV and their archaeological sub-consultants ACS, in consultation with the NRA project archaeologist. The methodology, which was approved by the National Monuments Section of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, outlines the archaeological monitoring strategy and procedures to be adopted by M3 Motorway JV in the event of the discovery of archaeological sites and artefacts during construction. With the exception of a small site with two kilns discovered and subsequently excavated at Garretstown near Dunshaughlin, no additional sites have been discovered during construction. Archaeological monitoring is ongoing throughout the scheme.
For further information regarding archaeology please go to the NRA web page.
