Newlands Cross Upgrade EIS - European Investment Bank

South Dublin County Council N7 Newlands Cross Upgrade
Environmental Impact Statement
Arup Consulting Engineers
No features of archaeological potential were observed within this section of the proposed
scheme.
N7 Eastern extent
The land to the north of the existing N7 is almost entirely occupied by modern commercial
and residential structures, with the exception of a terrace at the eastern extent (ID10;
Appendix A 12.1). One area of open wasteland was identified on the northern side, largely
overgrown and with dumps of earth and construction waste at the northern end (Plate 20).
On the southern side of the existing road, a large area of woodland occupies the field to the
north-northeast of Mooreenaruggan House. The land was accessed via the garden, through a
gate and stone pillar that appear contemporary to the house (Plate 25). Mature deciduous trees
line the townland boundary along the south side, with mature coniferous trees lining the
remaining boundaries. The central area has been planted with young oak and sycamore. An
overgrown pathway leads around the entire field.
Two areas of greenfield continue in use as farmland, forming part of the small parcel of
surviving agricultural land extending southwards. Both pasture fields are used to graze cattle,
with relatively level ground, sloping very gently down at the southern field boundary. The
hedge and scrub field boundaries are largely intact, except along the N7 road, where they have
been replaced with modern breeze-block walling (Plate 23). A Bórd Gáis AGI occupies the
northeastern corner of the western field. Newlands Villa and the neighbouring farm buildings
(ID 2 and 3) occupy the northwestern corner of the eastern field (Plate 24). No features of
archaeological potential were identified within these fields. The fields were ploughed in the
past and were last in tillage about 20 years ago (Landowner, Pers.Comm.). Modern
agricultural activity, particularly ploughing, usually results in level field surfaces (as in this
case) and no surface trace of any unrecorded archaeological features or sites.
A mature treeline survives along on the median of the dual carriageway, preserving the line of
the original Dublin / Naas road and part of its tree-lined boundary (Plate 21).
R113 Fonthill Road
The most northerly section of the proposed scheme has been heavily developed, with the road
itself representing a realignment of the main junction, diverging from the route of the original
road to Clondalkin to bypass the village. A small shopping centre is located on the eastern
side of the road with a car park. The western side is occupied by the Bewleys Hotel. The
northern section of the study area leads to a cross roads, also surrounded by modern
development.
N7 Western section
The area to the north of this section was largely developed and in use as commercial premises.
An open landscaped area, located to the west of Bewleys Hotel and Aldi, provides green space
for residential estates to the north (Plate 26). At the western extent of the proposed scheme a
single-storey derelict structure (ID 5) occupies a small overgrown field (Plate 18). Surface
visibility was poor. No features of archaeological potential were identified in this area.
The southside of the N7 in this section is occupied entirely by the grounds of Newlands golf
course, as discussed above.
12.3.2.8 Inventory of archaeological constraints identified along the route or within a 100m
radius of the proposed route
The assessment of the terrain potential and the examination of the type, density and
distribution of archaeological sites within that landscape give rise to the identification of the
archaeological potential along the area of proposed upgrade. These areas may be included
given their:
• Close proximity to recorded archaeological monuments
December 2007 Page 190