Examining the coast of the Great Saltee
WHILE THE rest of the county was getting back to normal after Storm Emma last week, two archaeologists and two surveyors were making their way out to the Great Saltee Island to conduct a survey of the coastal and ecological areas.
The Cherish project, which is being operated by the Discovery Programme and Geological Survey of Ireland amongst others, aims to examine the impact of coastal erosion on various sites around County Wexford.
The team of four spent two days on the Great Saltee last week, undertaking a foreshore survey and taking 3D data of the coastal, ecological sites.
Sandra Henry, one of the marine archaeologists on the project, explained that his was the first year of the four-year project and that they were collecting baseline data.
‘The plan would be that we would return to all sites in 2020 and take further data to analyse against what we collect this year.’
She added that Wexford Harbour had been extremely supportive in providing transport for the team to the Great Saltee with Aidan Bates and Captain Philip Murphy giving great assistance. The group worked on Rosslare Fort in the past as well. Further research will be carried out using past data and mapping, while monitoring would occur at all sites.
Sandra, who is a Sligo native, said it was her first time on the Great Saltee and described it as a beautiful, amazing place.