Remains of 17th Century dwelling unearthed during Shop Street dig

The foundations of a 17th Century dwelling and an old ESB cable containing several thousand volts of electricity are among the surprises that have been unearthed by contractors underneath Shop Street.

Work on a trial section of the ‘big dig’ between the Eason’s bookshop and Anthony Ryan’s Department Store began after St Patrick’s Day and appears to be on track to be finished by June.

A spokesman for Galway City Council said a significant amount of work had been done on the small section of the pedestrianised zone and it would be evaluated before deciding where workers would go next and when.

The works involve a multi-million upgrade of the drainage and underground service system throughout the pedestrianised zone with a new surface to replace the famed cobblestones in a bid to thwart constant flooding and accidents by pedestrians.

“They have actually kept it neat and looking quite well. It’s a pilot area to see what difficulties they’re encountering and what’s being put back is only temporary – they’re actually the old cobbles which have been washed and returned but a decision has yet to be made on the permanent surface,” he explained.

“Some of it will be completed by the end of the year but after this test area they’ll know what speed they can go at and realistically complete before 2020 [European Capital of Culture].”

Businessman Anthony Ryan praised the level of communication between the contractors and traders on the street.

“In fairness, the contractors are being very accommodating to businesses – there has to be some level of disruption but they’re working very closely with the businesses affected.

For more, read this week’s Galway City Tribune.

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