Archaeological and Built Heritage Assessment
What is this assessment?
The assessment ensures that developments respect and preserve the area's cultural heritage.
Legal basis: Planning and Development Act 2000 and the National Monuments Act
What is the process?
An Archaeological and Built Heritage Impact Assessment in Ireland involves several key stages.
Pre-planning consultation
Start by engaging with local planning authorities early in the process. They can help to understand the specific implications of the project.
Desk-based assessments help to gather existing information about the site. You can get archaeological insights from historical maps, previous excavations and other data.
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
The archaeological assessment is often integrated into a broader Environmental Impact Assessment. The EIA evaluates the potential impacts on various environmental factors, including cultural heritage.
If significant archaeological potential is identified, fieldwork may be required. This can include archaeological testing, monitoring, excavation and surveys of historic buildings.
Archaeological fieldwork
Archaeologists may conduct excavations or monitoring during construction. These activities can mitigate impacts on any discovered heritage. Whether you do this usually depends on the findings from desk-based assessments.
Techniques such as geophysics can locate subsurface archaeological features without disturbing the ground.
Reporting and mitigation
After fieldwork, a detailed report is prepared. It details the findings and their significance. The report is submitted to the relevant authorities for review.
If significant archaeological remains are found, mitigation measures may be proposed. Measures could include preservation in situ or further excavation before development proceeds.
Compliance and monitoring
Planning authorities set out conditions for archaeological findings during construction. Developers must comply with these conditions.
Any artefacts recovered during excavations undergo analysis and curation. They are usually preserved for future research and public education.
Public engagement
Engaging with local communities is often part of the process. Education and outreach initiatives are good ways to raise awareness about preserving archaeological heritage.
Submitting your assessment
The results of this assessment should be included with your submission to the relevant planning authority.