Archaeology issue

gavney1

Hi Guys

Just wondering if any other shop owners have had the following problem

We own a couple of clothing stores. Recently we decided to do an extension to one of our stores, and have been told that as we're digging, archaeologists have to come in to investigate the area. This part is fine by me - no problem with someone coming along as we're digging. And if it delays things a couple of weeks, that doesn't bother me either. I think there's no sense being uncooperative with other people's interests.

What DOES bother me, is that we are expected to fund the investigation!
Can anyone rationally explain this to me. We are being told it could cost anywhere between 400euro+VAT to 1820euro+VAT.

WE are the ones being inconvenienced by the archaeological investigation, the archaeologists are the ones who are benefiting. So, why are WE paying them?? Surely it should be the local council or the Dept of Environment, Heritage and Local Government?

Not that it should really matter but we're not a huge company, and every penny counts for us at the moment. So, it really bugs me to be paying this extra charge for something which should be self-funded.

I'd appreciate your thoughts, and also if you have any suggestions.

thanks

Gloomtastic!

This has been policy for decades I believe. You can rant but nothing will change. Just let them get on with it and pray they find nothing. The sooner they're in, the sooner they're out.

Riamfada

Gloomtastic! wrote: »

]The sooner they're in, the sooner they're out.

Thats what she said.

But seriously the "developer pays" idea has been a cornerstone of commercial archaeology for years. Its seen as part of the building process like getting a contractor in to do design your getting a contractor to do archaeology.

If its a small dig and not currently on or close to any known archaeological site you should be grand, they wont stop you for some ditches.

gavney1

gavney1 wrote: »

Hi Guys

Just wondering if any other shop owners have had the following problem

We own a couple of clothing stores. Recently we decided to do an extension to one of our stores, and have been told that as we're digging, archaeologists have to come in to investigate the area. This part is fine by me - no problem with someone coming along as we're digging. And if it delays things a couple of weeks, that doesn't bother me either. I think there's no sense being uncooperative with other people's interests.

What DOES bother me, is that we are expected to fund the investigation!
Can anyone rationally explain this to me. We are being told it could cost anywhere between 400euro+VAT to 1820euro+VAT.

WE are the ones being inconvenienced by the archaeological investigation, the archaeologists are the ones who are benefiting. So, why are WE paying them?? Surely it should be the local council or the Dept of Environment, Heritage and Local Government?

Not that it should really matter but we're not a huge company, and every penny counts for us at the moment. So, it really bugs me to be paying this extra charge for something which should be self-funded.

I'd appreciate your thoughts, and also if you have any suggestions.

thanks

My brother in law is an archeologist, masters etc but unemployed. Im sure he might do you a good deal if it needs to be done, pm me if you want.

Riamfada

Deleted User wrote: »

My brother in law is an archeologist, masters etc but unemployed. Im sure he might do you a good deal if it needs to be done, pm me if you want.

He'd probably need to have a licence and be set up as a sole trader for testing and monitoring jobs.