Scheme Details:

N52 Mullingar to Belvedere Scheme

Scheme Description
Scheme Location
Scheme Value
Current Stage
Scheme Archaeology
Further Information

 

Scheme Description

The N52 is a national secondary route in the National roads network providing a strategic link from Dundalk in the north east to Nenagh, near Limerick, in the south west. It intersects the national primary road network and provides a cross country connection between the country's main road arteries by linking the N1 at Dundalk, the N2 at Ardee, the N3 at Kells, the N4 at Mullingar, the N6 at Kilbeggan and south through Tullamore and Birr, terminating on the N7 at Nenagh.

The upgrading of the N52 south of Mullingar forms part of the strategic National Roads Policy to improve the primary and secondary road networks as stated in the National Development Plan and in the National Roads Needs Study carried out by the National Roads Authority in 1998.

This scheme involves the construction of 4.2km of single carriageway, extending from the Mullingar Bypass at Tullanisky and connecting to the existing N52 at Carrick bridge.

The contractor for this scheme is P.T. McWilliams Ltd. and construction works are expected to be complete by May 2007.

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Scheme Location

The route commences at a point on the existing N52 just north of Carrick Bridge and veers west off the existing road to avoid Tudenham Church, the road junction at Tally Ho and the offices of the Shannon Regional Fisheries Board. The route then curves east, crossing the existing N52 in the vicinity of the existing Belvedere House entrance gate, before passing between existing residential properties on the minor road linking Prebawn and Gorteen.

The route then crosses through farmland in a north-easterly direction until it passes beneath the realignment of the R400, Mullingar to Rochfortbridge road, where an overbridge has been constructed. The road then continues north easterly for approximately 500m and meets a roundabout on the N52 Mullingar Bypass.

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Scheme Value

The estimated construction cost of this scheme is €11.5m.

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Current Stage

The most recent scheme update is displayed below. Earlier updates may be available from the news archive.

N52 Mullingar to Belvedere Road Improvement Scheme

Posted on: 7 Jun 2007

The new N52 Belvedere Road Improvement Scheme for Mullingar was officially opened at 12.30 on the 16th May by Martin Cullen, Minister for Transport.

Read More

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Scheme Archaeology

Major archaeological excavations at Rochfort Demesne
Major archaeological excavations were recently carried out by archaeologists in the townland of Rochfort Demesne near the shores of Lough Ennell, approximately 5km to the south of Mullingar, Co. Westmeath. This work was undertaken by Valerie J. Keeley Ltd. on behalf of Westmeath County Council as part of the N52 Mullingar Belvedere Road Improvement Scheme.

The site, recorded in the Record of Monuments and Places (RMP) as a ringfort, was identified in the Environmental Impact Study (EIS) as lying within the pathway of the N52 Realignment. It was located within the demesne lands of Rochfort Estate, close to the shores of Lough Ennell and the entrance to Belvedere house, along the existing N52. It is one of many similar site types recorded in the Lough Ennell area.

Archaeological investigation work at the site was undertaken by the Archaeology Company in December 2004, which incorporated the excavation of a series of test trenches and a geophysical survey. Valerie J. Keeley Ltd. commenced the main excavation of the site in August 2005, finishing in January 2006.

Aerial view of Rochfort Demesne enclosure prior to excavation (photo courtesy of VJK Ltd)

Prior to excavation the site was visible as a roughly circular enclosure defined by a ditch with a low inner bank. Quarrying disturbed the interior of the monument leaving behind a large hollow in the north.

Aerial view of Lough Ennell and Rochfort Demesne enclosure (courtesy of VJK Ltd)

Excavations revealed three enclosing ditches, two of which appear to date from the seventh and eighth century AD based on radio carbon dates, while the third ditch can be dated to the Post Medieval period. The latter ditch had a stone revetment or wall lining its inner edge and produced evidence of an associated bank to the north. It is possible that this later ditch indicates that the site was reused as a folly in the 18th century.

The innermost ditch appears to be the earliest phase dating to the early seventh century and the outermost ditch is later dating to the mid eighth century, which had an internal bank. A limited number of features survived within the interior, which included several pits, possible hearths and possible metal working evidence. There was no clear evidence of any internal structures.

Aerial view of Rochfort Demesne enclosure (courtesy of VJK Ltd)

A range of artefacts were discovered which included a decorated bone comb, a copper needle, an undecorated bone needle and a blue glass bead. One of the most spectacular finds was that of a highly decorated ring pin which is likely to have come from Viking Dublin in the 9th century AD. A rare dress fastener was also found which is considered to have similarities to a swan headed pin dating to the Iron Age.

Decorated bone comb (courtesy of VJK Ltd)

Decorated ringpin (photo courtesy of VJK Ltd)

Ring pin (photo courtesy of VJK Ltd)

The evidence to date suggests that the site was constructed and used in the seventh century through to the tenth century as supported by the radiocarbon dates and artefactual material. During this period, Lough Ennell and its environs was very important due to its geographic location in the centre of Ireland, its proximity to Uisneach, and its proximity to major route ways. In addition, this is supported by the large number of early medieval settlements such as crannógs on the lake and ringforts in the surrounding area, and the wealth of the artefactual material. Documentary sources show that it was an important centre of power where the Clann Cholmáin kings of the Southern Uí Néill dynasty resided between the 8th and 11th century. The royal seat was relocated from the Hill of Uisneach in the 8th century to the royal complex of Dún na Scíath ringfort and Cróinis crannóg, on the western side of the lake. King Maelseachlin I, the first high King of Ireland resided there in the 9th century and King Maelseachlin II resided and died there in the late 10th/early 11th century.

The function and context of the site within the Early Medieval landscape of Lough Ennell has yet to be fully interpreted. The site may represent a place where a community resided around their Lord or King, or may have been a place for public assemblies or feasting or other activities associated with kingship. Post excavation work is currently underway which will shed light on this important site.

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Further Information

Further information can be obtained by contacting the Project Liaison Officer for the scheme. Details on how to do this are available on the contact page.

The Project Liaison Officer for this Scheme is Michael Kelly

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