Ireland’s lost Second World War defences unearthed in Limerick
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Previously unrecorded pillboxes dating back to the Second World War have been discovered by archaeologists working on the Foynes to Limerick Road, including the Adare Bypass.
Around 300 of the defensive structures were built in Ireland during the early years of The Emergency to help defend the country against a possible invasion.
Two of these latest finds in Limerick will be preserved in situ, while it is hoped that two more will be moved intact and housed in a local museum
Historian and senior consultant at Archaeological Management Solutions (AMS), Bryn Coldrick, said Ireland took active measures to secure its independence because of its neutrality during the Second World War.
“In important locations such as the Shannon Estuary, pillboxes were grouped to form a line of deep defences to contain any invasion for as long as possible and protect road and rail networks, both of which were essential for moving troops and equipment if faced with an attack emanating from the Shannon Estuary,” Mr Coldrick said.
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This latest find adds to Limerick’s existing register of the defensive fortifications.
Nine are listed on Co Limerick’s Record of Protected Structures in the Adare-Rathkeale Municipal District.
A further seven pillboxes were found during fieldwork for the project’s environmental impact assessment report.
Another pillbox was found hidden in a field boundary when vegetation was being cleared, and yet another possible example was identified from aerial photography.
Mr Coldrick said: “Comparing the locations of the known pillboxes with plans we uncovered in the Military Archives from 1940, it looks like there could be more out there waiting to be rediscovered, so it’s difficult to be sure about the exact number and locations of those still standing.”
This latest discovery was welcomed by Limerick mayor, John Moran.
“These pillboxes are an important part of our local history,” he said.
According to senior archaeologist at AMS, Fintan Walsh, two of the pillboxes within the scheme will be preserved in situ.
“We have undertaken built heritage surveys of both, including the production of a 3D digital model.
"Two more will be moved intact, after being fully recorded. We hope to find homes for them at a local Limerick museum,” he said.
The discovery will not impact the progress of the Foynes to Limerick Road Project, which is funded by the Government of Ireland and administered by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) through Limerick City and County Council.