Catherine Desmond

Catherine Desmond (PhD Candidate)

The Relationship Between Archaeology and Development Control

Supervisor: Dr. Colin Rynne
Post-Medieval and Later Historical Archaeology Research Group

Overview

The aim of this study is to evaluate how archaeology is protected within the planning system in Ireland:

• To carry out a comprehensive study of legislation and charters linking archaeology and planning.
• Examine a number of case studies of various types of development which have impacted on archaeology.

Topics To Be Assessed:

• In 2008, the Department, of Environment, Heritage & Local Government (DoEHLG) received over 10000 planning applications from planning authorities. Do the planning authorities have a recognised criteria as to what to send to statutory bodies? Is this criteria sufficient? Is it working?

• Recommendations were made by DoEHLG to the planning authorities. What criteria was used by Department officials to reach these decisions? Is there a written policy on monument protection through development controls?

• Seven planning authorities have their own archaeologist (Cork County, Cork City, Kerry, Limerick County, Clare, Mayo and Dublin City). Do they use the same criteria as the National Monuments section or does each archaeologist have their own criteria?

• Planning applications are also referred to An Bórd Pleanála on archaeological grounds. What criteria does the Bórd use to make its decision?

• Strategic Infrastructure by its very size has had a major impact on archaeology.  Are the EIS’s being carried out of a sufficient standard to mitigate in the best interest of archaeology?

• New legislation is currently being drawn up. This will be evaluated and compared to relevant legislation in other countries.