Overview
“Archaeology is the study of past societies through an examination of the material remains left by those societies and the evidence of their environment. It investigates their houses, settlements and tombs and everyday implements. It seeks to understand the landscape, vegetation and climate of previous times as they affected, and were affected by, past peoples.” (National Monuments Service, Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government: www.archaeology.ie)
As the areas that our light rail and metro projects will serve have been settled for thousands of years the likelihood that archaeological monuments and sites will be identified and located during project planning and implementation is increased. Therefore the development of such a transport network may have archaeological implications.
RPA is committed to minimising the impact of light rail and metro projects on archaeological heritage. In recognition of this the RPA agreed a Code of Practice with the DoEHLG in January 2007. In broad terms this Code sets up a framework within existing legislation and national policy, which enables RPA to progress with its programme of works whilst carrying out appropriate archaeological mitigation.
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 and agrees appropriate strategies for avoidance or recording of archaeological monuments or sites.
Full consideration of archaeology is incorporated at all stages of project development from route selection to construction. To facilitate this RPA directly employs three archaeologists whose role within the organisation is to provide advice on archaeology and to oversee and manage the archaeological elements of all our projects. This ensures that appropriate strategies are developed to minimise direct impacts on archaeology, which also take into account light rail and metro design and safety implications, environmental and other impacts and costs.
Click here to view or download the RPA Archaeological Code of Practice 2007 in English.
Click here to view or download the RPA Archaeological Code of Practice 2007 in Irish.