Archaeology Discovery on N61:

“That Roscommon County Council recognises the major archaeological discovery on the N61 as part of the Coolteigue Road’s Project with the erection of a sculpture of sufficient scale and magnificence (possibly symbolising a Viking woman discovered as part of the DNA analysis during the Ranelagh Osteoarchaeology Project) and the mounting of information boards outlining this significant archaeological site used for over 1400 years which also included the extraordinary discovery that the settlement developed into a cemetery with 664 human burials. The sculpture and viewing area information point on a height off the road would commemorate these Roscommon people long gone (but not forgotten through this important action of Roscommon County Council). It would also act as an important heritage tourism marker.”

“That Roscommon County Council recognises the major archaeological discovery on the N61 as part of the Coolteigue Road’s Project with the erection of a sculpture of sufficient scale and magnificence (possibly symbolising a Viking woman discovered as part of the DNA analysis during the Ranelagh Osteoarchaeology Project) and the mounting of information boards outlining this significant archaeological site used for over 1400 years which also included the extraordinary discovery that the settlement developed into a cemetery with 664 human burials. The sculpture and viewing area information point on a height off the road would commemorate these Roscommon people long gone (but not forgotten through this important action of Roscommon County Council). It would also act as an important heritage tourism marker.”

The Meetings Administrator read the following reply: 

1. It is not standard practice to erect sculptures or other such features at the location of findings on road projects. As this is a national route, this proposal has already been referred to Transport Infrastructure Ireland as the funding and approvals body for works on National Routes.  The Project Archaeologist has stated that the site was previously unknown and possesses no amenity value. The site, and all material recovered during excavations, will be the subject of a two-volume monograph in the TII Heritage Series. This book forms just the latest entry in a large suite of publicly available dissemination products and public outreach activities which have the effect of comprehensively memorialising the site and those buried there. The book is a labour-intensive but very exciting prospect and will represent a year-long collaboration between Queen’s University Belfast, Irish Archaeological Consultancy (IAC) Ltd., Stakeholders, excavators and specialists.
2. TII Safety Division have stated that the N61 Coolteige Scheme has been developed to address, inter alia, road safety along this section of national road. The proposal to introduce a commemorative site resulting in a new junction or access/egress arrangement and / or the creation of additional associated turning movements onto and off this high speed section of improved national road has the potential to undermine this investment and introduce additional road safety risks on the N61, national road, that the scheme was developed to address.
3. Such as proposal would involve an increase in traffic on the realigned N61 at a location where the 100kph speed limits apply. Such a proposal is contrary to the objectives of the road project in terms of road safety and has the potential to create a traffic hazard. As indicated by TII, such a proposal would not be consistent with current planning policy including but not limited to policy set out in the RCDP.
4. There is no provision in the scheme budget to progress the proposals set out in the Notice of Motion.
5. As part of the development of the N61 Coolteige road project, all works in respect of archaeology has been undertaken with the full knowledge and formal approval of the National Monuments Service (NMS), and in keeping with the terms of the Code of Practice for Archaeology agreed between the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (June 2017).
6. The archaeological excavations, and the post analysis work completed on the project by both Irish Archaeological Consultancy (IAC) Ltd and Queen’s University Belfast to date, represents a very substantial investment of resources – both human and fiscal – over a period of 5+ years. In addition to this, the TII Heritage Series monograph for this scheme (due for publication towards the end of 2022) will be available publicly as a long term detailed memorial of the site.

Cllr. Leyden stated that this was a significant archaeological site and it was important to commemorate our people and give them dignity and respect. Access to a commemoration would be via the old road and we should seek other avenues of funding if the TII could not accommodate this. She acknowledged the work done by the TII and the work done on the book but the story needs to be brought to the people and if a memorial cannot be accommodated at the site, perhaps it could be marked in the town centre. She suggested a female Viking would be an appropriate commemoration.

Cllr. Byrne referenced the run from Mullymux to Ranelagh and the interesting history of the area that should be highlighted as part of Roscommon history. She supported the female Viking proposal and also noted that all of the important historical artefacts of the county are in Queens University or museums.

Cllr. McDermott supported the motion and as the proposed site is not on the main road, it should be accommodated.

Cllr. Fallon supported the motion and stated that a commemoration at the site is warranted.

Cllr. Keogh also supported the motion and is not in favour of artefacts stored away in Dublin museums and should be accessible in the county.

The Director of Services, Mr. Shane Tiernan stated that this was the reply received from the TII as a result of the notice of motion and that they want to set out clearly the monograph is an appropriate method of marking the site and that this is not uncommon across Ireland for such projects. With road design guidelines currently and road safety issues, the proposal is not something they can support presently. Access, parking etc. would all have to be considered and the funding source. A historical society or other interested party may look to take on this project in the future.

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Mulligan

           SECONDED by Cllr. Byrne

It was SGREED that Roscommon historical artefacts should be stored in a Roscommon museum and Rathcroghan is a suitable venue.  

On the PROPOSAL of Cllr. Leyden

SECONDED by Cllr. Shanagher

It was AGREED to refer the matter to the Economic Development, Heritage and Tourism SPC to discuss and look at alternative funding options for the project.