Woodenbridge may be a famine mass grave
There have been calls for further investigations of a possible famine site in Wicklow.
The Committee for the Commeration of Irish Famine Victims (CCIFV) is stepping up its campaign for a site in Woodenbridge to be investigated because they claim it may be a possible famine mass grave.
The location, which is marked by a granite stone carved with ‘1847’, is located near the Woodenbridge Hotel on Coillte land.
A representative of the CCIFV, Michael Branch, has called for further investigations of the site. In order for this to take place, a licence has to be granted and the group has been campaigning for this to be issued.
‘There is also the remains of a semi circle stone structure that would be similar to the dimensions of the holy grotto in pristine condition at Rathdrum Workhouse mass grave of over 2,000 people,’ he said.
They have called for ‘immediate protection’ for the granite stone and for the ‘semi circle [to be] investigated’.
Sinn Fein TD John Brady and Councillor Dermot O’Brien visited the site recently with representatives of the CCIFV and Coillte.’
Speaking to this paper, Deputy Brady said the granite stone and remains of a possible grotto were on the Woodenbridge site ‘for all to see’
‘The place at Woodenbridge is similar to other areas, I think it’s of critical importance that it is investigated’.
He added he had spoken with the Deparment of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht about the Woodenbridge site and Cllr O’Brien was also following the matter up.
We are ‘trying to get approval to get a proper survey done to establish what is on the site’ adding ‘I think it’s important that we follow it up’.
However, the nature of Woodenbridge site’s connection to the Famine is unclear due to the limited historical records, though one source suggested to this paper that the land could also have been used as a feeding station during the Famine years.
In a statement, a spokesperson for Coillte said they work closely with the National Monuments Service in relation to the management of these sites.
‘Coillte are the largest landowner in Ireland and have a number of archaeological sites, protected structures and features of cultural interest on our lands.
We work closely with the National Monuments Service in the management of these important sites.
‘In relation to the feature on our lands at Woodenbridge in County Wicklow we are not aware of any direct evidence as to its precise provenance. Our policy in such instances is to ensure the protection of the site and we work closely with, and take advice from, the relevant authorities in relation to its management.’
WE’RE TRYING TO GET APPROVAL TO GET A PROPER SURVEY DONE TO ESTABLISH WHAT IS ON THE SITE