Archaeological investigations begin in Corkagh Park this week

SOUTH Dublin County Council are carrying out archaeological investigations in Corkagh Park this week.

The work is to facilitate proposed enhancements and upgrades at the Clondalkin park, as per the Part 8 planning, which has a budget of approximately €5m, and was passed by council elected members in February 2022.

Criticism has already been levelled at the council for the felling of trees and in particular, an “iconic” Monterey Cypress tree in Corkagh Park near the council compound, as part of the enhancement works.

The archaeological work involves the digging of trenches in an area near the proposed new Hub Zone in the centre of the park (close to the existing depot). This area contains recorded archaeological sites – Corkagh Demesne Castle and Corkagh Demesne Moated site.

The second area subject to ground disturbance is the Green Isle carpark (proposed for a carpark extension).

A SDCC spokesperson said: “Archaeological investigations are required prior to work commencing to rule out any possible disturbance of archaeological sites of interest.”

The work began on April 11 under an archaeological licence granted by The National Monuments Service, and are expected to be completed within a week.

“Both locations will be cordoned off to protect park visitors and all areas will be reinstated following investigations,” said SDCC.

“Members of the public are requested not to enter any works area and to please comply with any site signage and exclusion zones. South Dublin County Council thanks the public for their co-operation and apologises for any inconvenience to the public that may arise during these works.”

Cllr Francis Timmons (Ind) said there has been much interest from the local community among residents with a liking for heritage, history and archaeology itself.

He advised residents that they may watch proceedings from behind a cordon, but access to the work site is out of bounds for the general public.

The council said they will inform the public “of any findings, if there are any, later in the week”.

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