Licence granted for archaeological excavation of ring fort

THE Department of the Environment yesterday granted a licence for an archaeological excavation of a ring fort which is on the site of the proposed new headquarters of Cork County Fire Brigade.

The council is proposing to build a new headquarters on the Link Road in Ballincollig and the contract for the excavation work on the adjoining ring fort has been awarded to Daniel Noonan Archaeological Consultancy, who will work under the guidance of the council’s architectural officer, Katherine Power.

Minister for State at the Department of the Environment, Batt O’Keeffe, described the forthcoming excavation as an exciting development.

The ring fort was first properly identified in 2004 and the council fenced off the site in November of that year. Local historians said that many people believed Ballincollig was founded by the Normans in the early 13th century, but the ring fort may well go back to the eighth century.

Minister O’Keeffe said the excavation will act as a “tool to inform and educate the public on their local archaeological heritage.”

He added that local schools are also planning site visits to see the archaeologists at work.

“It is an important aspect of my department’s work, under the auspices of the National Monuments Section, to encourage young people to develop an interest in, and a better understanding of, their area and it’s past,” he said.

He confirmed that weekly updates will be published on the excavation’s progress in the local newsletter.

Evidence of a neolithic dwelling was found in nearby Barnagore in 2003, during construction of the Ballincollig bypass.