Case Study: M28 Cork to Ringaskiddy
Multi-phase archaeological services for a major strategic road scheme
Client
TII / M28 Scheme
Sector
Road Infrastructure
Location
Cork, Ireland
The Challenge
The M28 Cork to Ringaskiddy Scheme is a major new road project linking Cork City with Ringaskiddy Port. While the route broadly follows the line of the existing N28, significant sections pass through greenfield landscapes characterised by undulating agricultural land, with industrialised areas at the northern and eastern ends of the corridor.
This combination of strategic infrastructure, varied landscape character and archaeological sensitivity required a delivery model capable of supporting the construction programme while ensuring the historic environment was properly investigated, recorded and managed.
Our Approach
In 2021, the contract for archaeological services on the scheme was awarded to Rubicon Archaeology, assisted by TVAS Ireland Ltd and overseen by TII.
Archaeological delivery on large road and rail schemes in Ireland follows a well-established staged process. For the M28, this included four defined phases:
- Testing
- Pre-excavation
- Excavation
- Post-excavation
This work was carried out under the strict controls associated with a Ministerial Direction and the National Monuments Service. The archaeological programme was planned well in advance of construction, ensuring that heritage works could be delivered in a structured and controlled manner without delaying the progress of the road scheme.
Some Statistics
Delivery Highlights
Rubicon’s approach on the M28 combined rigorous archaeological process with the practical requirements of infrastructure delivery. The project demonstrates how archaeological works can be integrated into a major road scheme through clear staging, advance planning and close coordination.
Structured programme delivery
- Archaeological works delivered through a clearly defined multi-phase process.
- Programme sequencing established in advance to support construction certainty.
Governance and compliance
- Works undertaken under Ministerial Direction and National Monuments Service controls.
- Delivery overseen within the project framework established by TII.
Interactive StoryMap
The StoryMap below highlights discoveries and progress on the M28 project to date, providing an accessible way to explore the archaeology of the scheme and the landscapes through which the new road passes.
The Results
- Delivered archaeological services through all key project stages, from testing to post-excavation.
- Integrated archaeology into a major infrastructure programme using advance planning and clear sequencing.
- Maintained delivery under a robust statutory and regulatory framework, including Ministerial Direction controls.
- Supported public understanding of the scheme’s archaeology through an interactive StoryMap.
Why Rubicon?
The M28 project demonstrates several of the strengths clients value in Rubicon Archaeology:
Major infrastructure experience
Proven capability delivering archaeology on large road and rail schemes within demanding programme environments.
Structured methodology
Clear phased delivery from testing through post-excavation, aligned with established national infrastructure processes.
Compliance and control
Strong understanding of Ministerial Direction requirements and archaeological governance frameworks.
Public engagement
Ability to communicate archaeological outcomes clearly through high-quality digital interpretation tools such as StoryMaps.
Outcome
Through phased delivery, advance programme planning and strong regulatory control, Rubicon Archaeology has supported the M28 Cork to Ringaskiddy Scheme with archaeological services that protect heritage, support infrastructure delivery and communicate discoveries to the public.