10 Archaeological and Cultural Heritage

10.14 Recommendations

Avoidance

It is firstly recommended that if possible all impact on sites should be avoided in the selection of the Preferred Route option.
Should this not be possible ameliorative measures including archaeological investigation and excavation for sites in proximity to or directly impacted by the proposed scheme would be recommended. This should be undertaken, when possible, well in advance of the construction phase to allow for comprehensive recording of archaeological and architectural remains and to avoid causing delay to route construction.

River Assessment

In planning the route, the archaeological merit of the waterways within the study area needs to be taken into account. It is likely that pre-disturbance underwater archaeological assessment of relevant sections will be required ahead of the construction phase once the bridge locations have been fixed.

Bogland

In planning the route, the archaeological merit of any bogland affected by the proposed development needs to be taken into account. It is recommended that these areas be avoided if possible.
Should this not be possible a full programme of assessment of the potential of the bogland affected would be recommended.

Consultations

It should be noted that the recommendations are subject to approval by Dúchas The Heritage Service at the Department of Arts, Heritage, the Gaeltacht, and the Islands who should be consulted at all stages of the scheme development.