ARCHAEOLOGY FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q. What is Archaeology?
A. Archaeology is the study of ancient cultures through the scientific study of the material remains they have left behind including the remains of buildings, graves, tools, and other artefacts.
The form of archaeological sites and monuments is varied and can range from upstanding sites such as tombs, churches and wells etc that we can still visit and enjoy to other sites without surface features that are known from old maps or from aerial photographs. Other sites which were once areas of human activity are now long forgotten but may be rediscovered during ground disturbance works associated with construction.
Q. Why is Archaeology important to RPA Luas or Metro projects?
A. We recognise that previously known and new archaeological sites might be affected or discovered during the development of our network of light rail and metro lines and we are therefore committed to ensuring that our projects are developed so as to minimise the impact on archaeological heritage.
Q. Does RPA have an Archaeology Code of Practice?
A. Yes. An Archaeological Code of Practice was agreed with the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government (January 2007). This is available to view or download here or from the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government website (www.archaeology.ie).
Q. What is the Code of Practice?
A. The Code sets out a partnership approach between RPA and the Minister of the Environment. RPA consults with the National Monuments Section of the DoEHLG throughout all stages of a project in relation to archaeology. The Minister, through the National Monuments Service, responds to consultations in a timely manner, agrees appropriate strategies for avoidance or recording of archaeological monuments or sites.
Q. How does RPA implement the Code of Practice?
A. RPA employs a Project Archaeologist and two Assistant Archaeologists whose roles are to oversee the smooth running of all archaeological elements of our light rail and metro projects.
Q. When is Archaeology considered on RPA Luas or Metro projects?
A. RPA Archaeologists are members of the Design Team for each Luas and Metro project and input into the overall planning and design from the outset. We also procure independent Archaeological Consultants to prepare Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) and to carry out surveys and investigations where appropriate during the planning and construction stages of a project.
Q. What are the benefits of RPA Archaeological Policies?
A. RPA’s policy to archaeology ensures that archaeological sites and information on archaeology is preserved and available for future generations to enjoy. The results of archaeological investigations and surveys provide a unique insight into the history and development of Dublin city environs as a result of the large amounts of new archaeological information that is generated from RPA investigations.
Q. Who benefits from RPA Archaeological Investigations?
A. The public, the local community and other interested parties can learn about discoveries and finds from our schemes through publication and dissemination via RPA website, leaflets, brochures, books, exhibitions and lectures.
Archaeological reports can be viewed and downloaded on this website as and when they become available. Copies of these reports are also available by post.
In addition, reports on significant finds will be submitted to relevant publications e.g. Archaeology Ireland, Local History publications and the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government excavations database which is also available online (www.excavations.ie).
Dublin City Council in partnership with the Heritage Council has established the Dublin City Archaeological Archive (DCAA), the first dedicated archaeological archive in Ireland. The archive is located at the Dublin City Library and Archive in Pearse Street which is a secure and publically accessible facility. Subject to agreement with the DoEHLG, any archaeological archive data generated by RPA projects will be deposited to this archive facility in the future. For further information please click here.
Q. What are the main phases of archaeological investigations on a project?
A.
- Desk-based surveys which form part of the EIA process and EIS
- Site surveys and investigations during the EIA process prior to planning applications which may involve field surveys, geophysical surveys, underwater archaeological surveys, aerial photographic surveys, archaeological monitoring of ground investigations and targeted archaeological test excavations to determine presence and/or extent of archaeological remains
- Site investigations following approval of a scheme and during the construction phase which may include condition surveys, recording of built heritage, archaeological test excavation and archaeological monitoring of ground disturbance
- Recording of sites identified during desk-based and site assessments prior to or during the construction phase, which may include condition surveys, recording of built heritage and archaeological excavation
- Publication and dissemination of the results of archaeological surveys and investigations
Q. Who does RPA employ for its Archaeology works?
A. RPA archaeologists carry out some of the investigations and assessments in-house. However where larger teams or specialist surveys are required, RPA appoints an archaeological consultants to carry out site investigations, reporting and post-excavation requirements.
Q. Does RPA consult with external Archaeologists?
A. Yes. RPA regularly consults with the archaeologists within the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Dublin City Council and the National Museum of Ireland.
Consultant archaeologists are also appointed by RPA to carry out Environmental Impact Assessments as well as to carry out various specialist surveys, assessments and excavations required throughout the course of a project.