Archaeological Impact Assessment
According to the European Communities (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Amendment) Regulations, 1999, the information to be contained in an EIA includes “a description of aspects of the environment likely to be affected by the proposed development, including in particular… material assets, including the architectural and archaeological heritage, and the cultural heritage” (S.I. No. 93 of 1999).
The principle aim of assessment is to anticipate and avoid impacts on the archaeological resource. Archaeological assessment may be required as part of the planning process “in response to developments which may be located in the vicinity of archaeological monuments” (The Heritage Council. 2000).
Assessment has been described as “the overall process of assessing the impact of a development” (DAHGI, 1999). It can comprise of mitigation measures including documentary research, examination of aerial photographs etc. and more intrusive measures including testing, monitoring and/or full excavation.
We provide a full assessment service nationwide, providing detailed information assessing the likely impact of a proposed development on the archaeological resource.