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The fish trap discovered by archaeologists on Victoria Quay this week. Image: Diageo
THIS INTRIGUING ITEM, discovered by archaeologists at Diageo’s construction site at Victoria Quay in Dublin, is believed to be an ancient fish trap dating back to the mesolithic age.
The wicker trap was discovered at the deepest point of the excavation near an attenuation tank and appears to be extremely well preserved. Up until now, only post-medieval material had been discovered on the site.
The archaeological work is being carried out as part of preparations for new rain-water drainage works associated with the new Brew House close to the River Liffey.
The item was lifted from the site on Wednesday by archaeological conservators with help from the National Museum.
As part of the construction agreement with Diageo, a licensed consultant archaeologist, Eoin Halpin, was appointed to monitor the site. He told TheJournal.ie:
This is a fantastic piece of archaeology and amazing to think that such a delicate artefact has survived beneath some three metres of soil deposits.
The development has been “subject to careful archaeological monitoring” over the duration of the development programme, according to city archaeologist Dr Ruth Johnson.
The site has been excavated in two stages, both of which yielded evidence of early riverside activity in the form of wooden structures.
A similar fish trap was found in 2007 at Spencer Dock on the River Liffey by archaeologist Melanie McQuaid. After dating, that item was found to be approximately 6,500 years old, dating back to the mesolithic age.
Archaeologists anticipate that the item recovered from the Diageo site last week could be roughly the same age, but it can take up to six or eight weeks to complete the dating process.
The fish trap is the only item of significance found in the area and it is not expected that any other objects will be found.
David O’Leary, Engineering Excellence Strategy Director at Diageo Ireland said:
Diageo is delighted at the discovery of such an ancient artefact in one of the city’s most historic sites. We can now add a few thousand more years to the 254-year history of St. Jame’s Gate that we already knew about.
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if the banks are insisting on hoarding it take it back and give it to me, i’ll spend it all!!
Taoiseach the Irish Bank are still not lending , not interested in SME or individuals , even though you have set up various devices . Our Government and the Irish People are being ignored the banks are hoarding cash and this is their unofficial policy !
Or they could give every EU citizen €1,000
Austrian Central bank governor, ” ECB has a problem with addicted banks”.
http://investmentwatchblog.com/nowotny-says-ecb-has-problem-of-addicted-banks/
The massive liquidity injections by Western Central banks (including todays ECB injection) are resulting in privations for the worlds poorest. Huge flows of cash from western nations are finding their way to emerging markets with inflationary effects. This is forcing up the price of basic commodities for the worlds poorest.
http://m.guardian.co.uk/business/2011/jun/29/how-world-paid-hidden-cost-america-quantitative-easing?cat=business&type=article
They are amoral Sean.
New cash?…my arse! Another €530 billion of computer generated money that we, the citizens of Europe will pay back in cash. Only then does that computer money become cash, and the gangsters at the top are wiping their arses with €50 notes!
if they’re hoping the banks will pass it on..they have a very questionable hold on reality.
All i need is 0.00008% of that and I’m sorted!! Back in the black.
So the Central Bank is HOPING that the extra money will be passed on?!?! Pull the other one. This press release is trying to make it seem like the ECB care about money being passed on,in loans. They don’t! They only care about what they can squeeze out of the countries they are supposed to be helping.
It’s a bit like the Irish government, HOPING that interest rate cuts will be passed on to customers!
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