27 April 2010

Shore Redevelopment 'Digs Up History'

An area of Co Antrim that is rich in archaeological history is to be 'handled sensitively' in advance of a major road scheme.

One of Europe's largest commercial archaeology companies, Headland Archaeology Ltd, has been awarded a £250,000 tender to provide archaeological investigations ahead of road improvement to the A2.

The redevelopment of the Shore Road section of the A2 at Greenisland, Co Antrim is being managed by Scott Wilson Group Plc and was commissioned by the NI Roads Service.

The widening of the 2.5km stretch from two lanes to four lanes, forms part of an overall £55m project to develop the link between Belfast and Carrickfergus.

Colm Moloney, Managing Director, Headland Archaeology (Ireland) Ltd. said: "We are very much looking forward to building upon our growing reputation in Northern Ireland. "Advance investigations are now underway at the A2 site.

"We will be excavating sensitively as this is an environmentally important area, and we have commissioned ecologists to make sure we do not cause any harm, for example by disturbing badgers."

The former Carrickfergus Bay - long since renamed as Belfast Lough - along which the A2 runs, is brim-full of history.

King William III landed at Carrickfergus in 1689 to meet his army, which had come ashore near Greenisland, which is adjacent to the road scheme, on route to the historic Battle of the Boyne.

The only naval engagement of the American War of Independence was fought - and won - by John Paul Jones for the rebel forces - just off Carrick Castle and today, the iconic White House, at Whitehouse, again beside the A2, is generally recognised as one of Ireland's oldest and most important buildings.

It is first shown on a map of 1569-70 entitled 'Cragfergus Baie' the original name for Belfast Lough.

This chart shows only four identifiable buildings along the western side as Carrickfergus Castle, Castle Lugg (only the ruins of which still remain), The White House and Belfast Castle, which stood at Castle Junction in High Street, Belfast, until it was completely destroyed by fire in 1702.

(NS/BMcC)