Role: Project Archaeologist
Bandon Flood Relief Scheme (FRS), Co. Cork
Client: Office of Public Works (OPW)
In 2017, AMS were appointed by the OPW as their Project Archaeologist for all flood relief schemes (FRS) in Co. Cork, which includes:
- Bandon FRS
- Skibbereen FRS
- Clonakilty FRS
- Lower Lee (Cork City) FRS
- Blackpool FRS
- Ballymakeera – Ballyvourney FRS
- Glashaboy (Glanmire) FRS
- Douglas (Togher) FRS
The first of these projects that we managed was the Bandon FRS, a €16 million FRS being advanced by the OPW in partnership with Cork County Council for Bandon Town.
Project Scope
The Bandon Flood Relief Scheme will help alleviate serious flooding of Bandon Town and consists of river dredging works, new culverts, walls and embankments. The project commenced in late 2017 and was substantially complete in March 2020.
Consideration Factors
Much of the work undertaken on this flood relief scheme occurred in the Zone of Archaeological Potential (ZAP) for Bandon that includes both Recorded Monuments and National Monuments. Bandon is a walled town with its origins dating to the early 17th Century, consequently the risk of discovering unknown archaeological remains within the ZAP was high.
Actions Taken
AMS provided advice and oversaw the archaeological works carried out by the archaeological contractor on this complex development. Archaeological works were carried out under both Ministerial Consent and Section 26 licences and included monitoring of dredging works, archaeological dive surveys, advanced testing, archaeological monitoring, standing building surveys, excavation and the assessment and processing of thousands of artefacts, including hundreds of worked timbers.
AMS worked closely with the Client, the Contractor, the National Monuments Service and the National Museum of Ireland to ensure successful outcomes.
Project Outcomes
All archaeological site works have been completed for this scheme and post-excavation is nearing completion, with final reports due from the Contractor in Spring 2020.
