THE DEVELOPMENT OFF EAGRY now known as EAGRY GARDENS
ARCHAEOLOGY In response to concerns about disturbing archaeology on the sites here is an extract of a letter from the Assistant Casework Officer, Environment and Heritage Service, Built Heritage. (Undated but probably 8-8-01)

Aug 2001
"No site works of any nature or development shall take place until a programme of archaeological work, has been implemented, in accordance with a written scheme and programme prepared by a qualified archaeologist, submitted by the applicant and approved by the Department. The programme should provide for the identification and evaluation of archaeological remains within the site, for mitigation of the impacts of development, through excavation recording or by preservation of remains, and for preparation of an archaeological report.
Reason: to ensure that archaeological remains within the application site are properly identified, and protected or appropriately recorded.

The proposed development site lies close to a souterrain, an underground man-made chamber dating to approximately 1500 years ago. Such chambers are invariably associated with farmsteads of the same period, and evidence such as the remains of buildings, rubbish pits and industrial areas are frequently located nearby.

The application site is also close to a battle site at Eagry known as the Wine Hill. While this site has not been precisely located, it is suspected to be near this application site. One suggested translation of Eagry is the place of the slaughter. It is possible that archaeological remains associated with this event, including human burials, may survive within this application site.

If this development is to proceed, it will need to be accompanied by an archaeological programme of works, as per the attached planning condition. PPS 6, Policy BH 4 refers. The applicant would be well advised to enlist the services of a professional archaeologist/archaeological company at the earliest opportunity to ensure adequate planning for this aspect of developing the site." Emphasis of first sentence is mine (Brian)

 
Incidentally that souterrain mentioned was found in the Eagry Park site when they were building these houses. It has since been filled in but they surveyed it before doing that and we have the plans here at No.32
 
At an office meeting in October 2003 between the developer, his agent and the senior planner it was noted that : -
Oct 2003
" Archaeological Survey people have already been contacted to visit the site when work is to commence".
We have since received a letter from the Environment and Heritage Service (5th March 2004) to say that archaeological works is now underway on the lower field i.e. E/2001/0248F
On 25th May 2004 we rang the Archaeological Consultants who said nothing has been found so far. They also suggest that as it is a sloping site it is possible the site was not used as a settlement but more likely for grazing. Interestingly, inspite of the slope, we are now using it as a "settlement" .
Back to top
<< Return to Eagry first page