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LOCAL HISTORIANS HAVE hit out at plans to demolish a Waterford ring fort that dates back over 5,000 years.
US firm West Pharmaceutical Services began building a manufacturing plant on the Knockhouse site earlier this week.
The tri-vallate ring fort will be cleared during the second phase of the development, which the company says will deliver about 150 new jobs once the factory is opened in 2018.
While company-funded archaeologists will record and preserve any valuable artefacts found on the site, the rocks supporting the ancient monument will be levelled to make way for the new plant.
Unique site
As construction on the land gets underway, local historians have established a new Facebook page to raise awareness of its archaeological importance.
“It’s an incredible site,” local historian Chewie Cusack told TheJournal.ie.
Only about 3% of Ireland’s ring forts are tri-vallate, which makes this place quite unique. It should be protected or at least left as a green area during construction.
Cusack said he was disappointed that Waterford City and County Council, which approved the multi-million euro development, had allowed “commercial interests” to override concerns about the site’s preservation.
Lar Power, the council’s director of economic development and planning, told TheJournal.ie that it was “fully supportive of the resolution of the ring fort at Knockhouse”.
This site has been zoned for strategic industrial development for many years in the full knowledge of the presence of the ring fort. The work being completed is to fully resolve the site and record the findings.
He added that the development “has the full approval of the National Monuments Service, and is being carried out under full supervision and in accordance with best practice”.
Licence to clear land
Emily Denney, a spokesperson for West Pharmaceutical Services, confirmed that local authorities had sanctioned the land as a strategic industrial site.
The company agreed to pay for archaeological work on the ring fort, which it was aware of before the site’s purchase, she said.
Denney told TheJournal.ie that the National Monuments Service had issued the company with a licence to demolish the ring fort, while recording and preserving any artifacts found on the land.
A process of post-excavation analysis will be carried out before a final report on the excavation will be shared with the public. We hope this information will add to the public’s knowledge of and appreciation for Waterford’s rich archaeological heritage.
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The site has been marked for development with the full knowledge of the 5000 year old ring fort.
Jesus Christ that statement says it all really.
It’s about 1000-1500 years old but I totally agree: should be protected!
Archeologists say 5000 years old?
Top of the article says “dates back 5000 years”
Why should it be protected when there are literally thousands of others? Why this and not a 70 year old block of flats in Dolphins Barn that may actually have more historical importance as an example of what was built in place of the Dublin Slums. There are a lot fewer examples of them but they’re not really fit to live in in 2015 so they’re planned to be knocked. Why not Sam Stevensons 1960s ESB building soon to be demolished? In my view it’s ugly and not pleasant to work in but architecturally it’s an important building. When we build the new children’s hospital we’re going to have to knock the old Rialto hospital, now part of St James’s. It was where some fighting took place in 1916 and the poet Patrick Kavanagh spent so long there he wrote a love poem to it. We cannot save everything just because it’s old. There have to be better reasons.
There are sites in the area that are Neolithic, but this one is more likely to be Iron Age, so actually she’s correct. Clearly you haven’t been around for long enough to learn much.
I have a million-year old rock in my garden.
Should I check with my council before moving it to plant my Sunflowers?
As others have pointed out, it is not just the age of something that makes it important, but it’s uniqueness or what we can learn from our past about it.
It is by far nowhere near unique, and the latter is being taken care of by qualified archeologists by documenting the site and saving any relics found.
This country has had ten thousand years of habitation. Nearly every square centimetre under us will have some buried history
I am German and an Irish archaeologist with a PhD. I assume that the journalist put on a 0 too many. My point is that such a well-preserved trivalleted ringfort with numerous interior structures should have been preserved. They are exceedingly rare at the east coast. But probably nothing which can be done now.
Tatjana, it’s a cut and paste from local reports. They found Neolithic post holes nearby in 2003 and some Bronze Age features in 2006 but they are discreet from this. I’m interested you feel it should be preserved rather than excavated. Preserved to what purpose? You say it’s rare, but actually we really aren’t sure how rare it is due to how rarely anyone funds these digs. You have a denominator but no numerator.
Tatjana- as an archeologist, to what purpose should it be put if preserved?
If the site is properly documented and artefacts removed for further study, what use is the site after that?
Is it of PUBLIC importance? I would suggest no. Otherwise, tens of thousands of visitors would have flocked to it over the past few years since its discovery.
Is it of archeological importance? Possibly, but already if studied and documented before site clearance, what would the archeologists do with it for the next 100 years?
Joe, I’ve been around long enough to remember just how many of our historical and cultural places have been destroyed by greedy developers and corrupt politicians. as for it likely being iron age that could be 2500 yrs old so she is incorrect
The ringfort itself is a medieval farmstead from 1000-1500 years old. That was the final phase of occupation. The fact it is tri-vallate is an indication of the sites importance- less than 3% of Irish ringforts having 3 of more banks and ditches.
The presence of a complex of souterraibs and kilns is another factor- its highly likely that the ringfort was built on an earlier high status site- however only the stratigraphic report from the pre excavation testing report would tell you that
Overall; a poor decision from the National Monuments Section of the DAHG to give a licence to ‘preserve by record’. This is one that should have been avoided. There are a lit if greenfield sites with no recorded monuments in Waterford
Remember Wood-Quay when Dublin City Council decided to level Dublin’s viking settlement. Until they started the dig they knew almost nothing about the place and discovered hundreds of artifacts which told the story of Dublin’s origins..
There are hundreds of ring forts around Ireland which are waiting to be explored, so lets see what this one can tell us about our past. Nothing new I fancy……
They knew very well what was there- the largest viking settlement outside scandanavia. At the time it was considered to be ‘foreign’ archaeology and less important!
I don’t think tatjana is an archeologist. . just saying
She is- I know her
Bad luck on the horizon for West Pharmaceuticals. Hasn’t anyone told them that you don’t mess about with the fairy folk.
Surely it’s a ring fort and not a fairy fort, and for the German expert, ring forts weren’t being built 1000 or even 1500 years ago, they are a lot older than that.
German me hole, that’s a polish name.
so you know the german/polish , Irish archaeologist with a PhD who thinks the site is 1500-1000 yrs old? why do I find that hard to believe
Becsude you are you. Google her name, you can manage that can’t ya
So Tatjana, if the journalist put on a 0 too many, that would make it 500 years old. Is that what you are saying?
These things should be protected. Shame on the council for granting permission in the first place.
This is a link to Wordwell books and the newly published report on the excavations for the M9 Waterford motorway in Carlow. http://www.wordwellbooks.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=1631&category_id=27&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=9
There were 57 sites excavated and reported to allow the Motorway to be built through Carlow alone. The picture on the front is them excavating and recording a Ring fort before destroying it and building the motorway. These things happen regularly, why the fuss about this one. Ring forts are the commonest archeological finding in Ireland, there are over 60,000 of them. Some of them are going to be lost to permit development. It’s much better that they are located, excavated and recorded than ploughed or bulldozed away while nobody’s looking which is the current state of affairs.
I agree Joe, this country is littered in archeology. You can’t dig a road in this country without finding a site. Emotionally it seems wrong do destroy the fort but it will improve our understanding of them and they’re hardly unique. There’s over 1800 of these forts in Ireland.
Joe, just because our idiot politicians allow this to happen doesn’t make them right
It actually doesn’t make them wrong either. On balance, unless there’s something spectacularly different or unique about this fort they’d be better to excavate it fully thus get more information about the design and construction of ring forts of its type, then build their factory.
Joe, I remember people like you saying wood quay in Dublin should be developed as it wasn’t that important a site, they were wrong. once a site is destroyed its gone forever
Joe its a tri-vallate ringfort. Not an extremely common site. I am surprised that the National Monuments Section of the DAHG gave permission to excacate this site for a development outside the NDP
They gave permission to dig one in Carlow about 10 years ago to allow a hotel to be built and I think there was one on the path of the N8 development. The problem in Ireland is not well planned and executed excavations to allow for development, particularly in an area like Waterford which is a jobs black spot. There would have to be something genuinely unique about the site for the DAHG to step in. They have to prioritise things and a choice has been made to sacrifice this one but to fully excavate it first. It’s sad we can’t save everything, but we can’t.
The problem is developers putting a back hoe through important sites for fear of the outcry if they own up to it, and Toker that was the primary effect of the Wood Quay protests for several years after. Instead of excavations wooden fences were put up around building sites and historical remains were destroyed by unscrupulous developers. It still happens frequently and that is what people should be getting upset about.
Totally different Joe. The road decelopment plan was licenced directly by the Minister to fasttrack the bulldozing of sites by the NRA. This site is being removed under an archaeological excavation licence issued by the National Monuments Section
But still the site is lost. Simply speaking the outcry associated with putting a possible multimillion euro investment in Waterford at risk would be in the halfpenny place to that associated with excavating this. I’m a lover of archaeology but if we don’t exercise some pragmatism we’ve got a hell of a lot more to lose than to gain. Actually the opportunity to fully evaluate this site, funded by a responsible developer is great. It actually employs some archaeology graduates. It has the potential to increase our knowledge of these structures and in the end the outcome is generally positive. Every time this happens somebody comes on about the historical importance of these things and their tourist potential. Seriously, how many have been exploited to that purpose outside Cragganowen or Ferrycarrig.
I actually agree with you Joe and have spent my career planning sustainable development. The National Monuments Section and the National Museum- who would have also had to give permission to dig this site, should have anticipated this reaction. Now what we have is a site being removed, locals and archaeologists unhappy, and an American company pi**ed off through no fault of their own- because someone in government and council offices decided this site was not important enough to preserve-without any public consultation on the matter. A mess
I guess anythings for sale for the right price even our heritage
Our heritage is being systematically and deliberately destroyed. This is just one of many examples.
The same happened at TaRA and Bru Na Boinne- new center-
Bru na Boinne – aka DisneyGrange had its sacred Druid Rock, its sacred well and its 13 s(tones) of creation destroyed and even written out of history. The sacred well was even taken off the OS map.
The public and visitors are never told that the 2 fountains outside that new center are in fact the sacred waters diverted from the well.
Our heritage is being destroyed – all for money-
Bang on. This all part of the deliberate destruction of heritage and nationhood to pave the way for a New World Order of deracinated, rootless serfs living in a global monoculture of obedience to state, dependency on pharmaceuticals, a mindless consumerism.
Disgusting
How is this getting past the national monument service? That’s a big how?
The National Monuments Service are not responsible for most of Ireland’s monuments, which come under the protection of county councils who have no money to look after them. The OPW are the only people who take their job seriously enough to protect monuments….
Your 100% wrong. No archaeological site can be excavated without a licence issued by the National Monuments Section of the DAHG and the National Museum of Ireland. The councils have a county archaeologist who will have an input but with little or no say on the matter
And the OPW have nothing to do with archaeology any more
you’re
this plant should not be built on top of this ringfort. it’s part of the local heritage. but in some ways why bother saving it. most of our heritage sites in the country are left to rot with nobody taking care of them. OPW only care about a few big popular heritage sites around the country and couldn’t give a hoot about smaller local ones. it’s a shame really but it’s no surprise to me.
There’s an understanding in archaeological circles that many sites should be left as they are in their current state. It’s unreasonable to excavate and develop all major sites for modern usage or interest. That being said if this is so significant why shouldn’t we revitalise it for the public? Certainly a much better option than leveling it for a pharmaceutical plant.
I would agree Conor. the likes of a ringfort to be left alone. many local historical sites would benefit from a bit of fencing and information boards, maby small paths if landowners agreed.I’m sure a bit of strimming would not hurt. I just hate seeing historical sites fall to ruin and be lost forever.
I would hate to be the person responsible for demolishing it These ancient sites have a way of getting revenge on the people responsible. I am aware of a number of cases.
yes your right John I know Of farmers who cleared sites and were warned. they paid a big price. And it’s more than chance. We had one on our farm and it would never be touched .
When the Seagate company moved to Clonmel in the mid 90′s they levelled a ringfort at the
entrance to the site. It wasn’t a good idea. They only lasted a couple of years there.
Does anyone remember ‘Chasing Leprechauns’? if community comes together, i don’t think a solution is impossible..
Typically Irish, anything for a quick buck.
and we condemn isis !
This is outrageous! Complete disregard for our heritage.. My understanding of humanity lessens every day recently.
All archaeological excavation is scientific destruction, they will gleen as much information as possible and analyse environmental samples and artefacts. yes the ringfort will be destroyed but it will be done in a planned way and recorded for posterity. the local community will find out more about the site than they every would if it were to be left as a green belt in the development. we are all a product of our past but that doesn’t mean it should hold you back from the future. Waterford needs the jobs this development will bring.
aoife, Ohh now that you’ve explained it like that , that makes it ok, emm, no it doesn’t, too many of our historical sites have been totally destroyed by greedy developers and corrupt politicians.
In some respects this is correct Aoife. But in reality the reports are banished to an academic styled publication and little memory is left of it, regardless of its significance. I’d also point out that there are jobs in tourism also, and as I recall exploring a ring fort is a great way to spend a windy afternoon ;) I don’t think anyone is.against the plant, I just think we need to be more thoughtful and considerate of where we build these things. Was there no alternative site?
is there nowhere else they could build their factory?, give the pharma 10/20 years and they will be gone just like the 5 thousand year old building
absolutely disgraceful, our cultural heritage is now being sold off for the possibility of up to 150 jobs, the idiot politicians and councillor’s in our country can’t or don’t want to see past the end of their own snouts, if their european and american pals bring in #TTIP I fear this will be just the tip of the iceberg, not only will corporations be able to virtually do as they please in the pursuit of almighty profit, if a country doesn’t agree with or like what their doing, the corporations will be able to take a case against that country and either force said country to allow them to do as they please or pay billions in compensation.
I hate the TTIP and all its connertations, we need to hear some debate on the issue rather than no discussion at all and the “we” know best attitude from fg
How many of these new jobs will even go to Irish people?
What does that matter? they’ll be paying tax here, contributing to the Irish economy. Irish people drain the economy too ya know. You might need to sit down after that piece of information.
I can’t believe taxpayers’ money was wasted on your education, lads.
Increasingly you see reports here and in other media sources that seem to be primarily to create anger. Let’s add a fact that may dramatically change people’s views. There are estimated to be over 60,000 ring forts in Ireland, in some areas it would be difficult to develop any large area without destroying one because they were built in good places to live, near roadways, river crossings etc. they’re ploughed up regularly without anyone commenting.
If this one has a major historical importance then fine, save it, but it doesn’t seem to and even if it’s trivial late, there are over a thousand others.
Trivallate.
Yes: one of 1,800 Trivallate ring forts in Ireland.
Well preserved trivalet ones with interior structures are quite rare. It is a shame to destroy it.
Thats a very valid point. But this is 2015 and the ability to think outside the box and build in new areas has moved on from 5000 years ago. It would seem that the people involved in raising awarenessfor this site is of importance. The jobs lobby in Ireland is very strong however and posterity is often looked upon as our least immediate concern, which I believe to be a mistake.
Bizarrely they may or may not be rare. They have rarely been excavated.
Capitalism doesn’t give a fcuk.
It’s not that surprising. Waterford is a city rich with history but not enough is being done to exploit that to tourists. The walls and the Viking stuff is well known, but you never hear anything about the fact that the tricolour flag was first unveiled in the city for example. Couple that with the eyesores of an abandoned hotel and mill, and the price of parking and it’s no wonder Waterford is on its knees. Tourists eat up historical stuff like this but they’d rather build a factory and destroy places like this for short term gains. Yes, jobs are needed, but will the factory still be there in 20 years?
That is an absolute disgrace – surely another area could be used to build. Disgusting..!!!!
Must have been ring fenced as well as being ring forted!!
This is just another means to deracinate our people, demolish our heritage and destroy our identity. As the far-left let slip during the week while they were attacking Identity Ireland, being a “known patriot” and a “known nationalist” makes you “really dangerous”. Standing up for your country makes you a threat to their no-nations, no-borders, multicult globalist utopia (funded by George Soros and endorsed by immigration-pushers like Goldman Sachs banker Peter Sutherland).
Stop trying to make out that you and the your ilk are persecuted. At best you are misguided fools you are not patriotic, you represent no-one.
I suppose you don’t think the men of 1916 were patriots either, our heritage IS being eradicated slowly. anyone with two eyes can see that.
Ah! an insane person.
Sorry but comparing yourself and your bedfellows to the patriots of 1916 doesn’t work. A perfectly apt comparison would be with the clowns in Duffy’s circus, but that’s a bit harsh on the clowns.
You can’t eat archaeology
Maybe ISIS could give Waterford a “dig out” with this project. I look forward to Waterford Whispers News giving us a regular update.
History should never be destroyed to facilitate any factory, housing estate or farm! History is our connection to our ancestors and in a 1000 years should it not be the right of our citizens to still have our heritage? Why must we be the ones to destroy everything around us for the sake of the €£$ – by the end of this century there won’t be a wild animal, water, oil, only places for the well off to live properly not enough food to go around because we will sell it all to china etc.
Nobody should be allowed to destroy our national heritage. I hope westphama will have the cop-on to save it. It would be major plus for them to have they’re headquarters there and to boost about it 5000 year old historical site within a conference centre.
Waterford has been a black hole for unemployment for the last 6_7 years so I can see why the decision was man. When was the last time anyone visited one one these ring fort sited
People actually do visit these sites – I have seen many groups visit sites where I live
My knowledge of archaeology is limited to my being an avid fan of Time Team and I remember them doing several digs at sites which were to be sacrificed to the bulldozer. One in particular was of a Roman site in London which uncovered a unique water conveyor which modern engineers struggled to recreate. It was a pity that the site was going to be destroyed but life has to go on and everything can’t be preserved. As long as proper investigation and documentation is done.
Cultural vandalism!
No city, town or individual should be allowed to destroy our national heritage.
..just because it’s old doesn’t automatically mean it should never be changed or developed. Think about it: if the Normans approached building in the same way we’d have no towers or keeps because of the “historic” shebee there before it…….or all those Medieval Abbeys built on earlier ruins…people really need to get a grip. Will we preserve all those Celtic tiger shoe box houses in 1000 years time. ….I certainly hope not. .
This is cultural vandalism.
No town, city, borough or individual has a right allow destruction of the country’s cultural heritage.
However, I suppose it would be OK if they built a 5000 year old replica :)
If the Chieftain who lived here thought that in a few thousand years time that his descendants would be arguing whether to flatten the remains of his megalithic cupboard or build something to give his tribe jobs, food and shelter I think I know the gods he would be appeasing.
Sorry folks but if you dont agree that this is a disgrace then please turn over and warm the other side of your pillows. As the great Gurdjieff pointed out, man spends most of his life asleep and thats not just in bed. The point is that we do things like this all the time, every week we hear of something being chopped down or demolished, im from Swords and i can point out at least 6 buildings some of which are gone and others on their way out. Yes in some cases we should sever our ties with the past but not a past filled with hidden knowledge giving us an insight into how people lived back then and maybe to find out how they looked at the world, i mean yeah the Germans for example would like to forget the past, but for us this is an important place, an important place not just for ‘The Irish’ but for human beings. We keep racing toward the future, which never comes. We are going around in the dark without a light, we are a species with amnesia. If i lived down in Waterford i would personally pitch a tent on that site and stay there until they went somewhere else, even if i had to do it alone. And lets not forget its for a Pharmaceutical company, a corporation thats not at all interested in human well being, let alone human history, they make money from people being ill, their medicines are as toxic as alcohol and tobacco, we need to get out of the western, left brained frame of mind, and wake the hell up. Disgrace
Not a huge amount of jobs in ring forts
This will anger the local fairies. I knocked down a ring fort on my old man’s farm many years ago and have been plagued with hemorrhoids ever since.
It’ll be grand, those objecting, rightfully I think, have the force with them!
‘Chewie’ Cusack?
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