Sites and Monuments Record (SMR) for WM029-042----: Historic town
The description is quite long, however you can view this information and the description here:
The link above will show you that the Zone of Notification (ZoN) for the historic town encompasses Harry’s Lane.
Record of Monuments and Places (RMP):
The SMR record for the historic town is also listed on the RMP and is therefore known as a Recorded Monument. You can find it with the SMR number here (links to the list and to the map):
Since Harry’s Lane is within the ZoN/ZAP for the historic town (a Recorded Monument), there are typically specific requirements that need to be fulfilled in relation to the planning application, notification to the Ministry, etc. But these can vary depending on recommendations made by the Ministry following consultation.
Legislation:
The NMS maintains the SMR which is a list of known archaeological sites and monuments (and gets updated periodically). This includes the Zone of Notification. These don’t define the true extent of the site but they are used as an indication of where archaeological sites or remains may occur for the purposes of notification under Section 12 (3) of the National Monuments (Amendment) Act 1994.
The RMP is a statutory list established under Section 12 of the National Monuments (Amendment) Act 1994. The circles surrounding the RMP sites that you can see in the RMP map are called Zones of Archaeological Potential (ZAP). These are slightly different than the ZoNs from the SMR, however, Harry’s Lane is still within the ZAP for the historic town.
Typically, these monuments require two months prior written notice to the Minister before any works can start “at or in relation to” the monument.
Here’s a link to the ‘Legal Protection’ page on the NMS website: https://www.archaeology.ie/archaeological-survey-ireland/legal-protection
I’m including the text of the above link here, as I’m not sure when they’ll be changing the text (see info on the new heritage bill, below):
“The information held by the Archaeological Survey of Ireland (ASI) was issued between 1984 and 1992 as a series of county Sites and Monuments Records. These county SMRs, revised in the light of further research and fieldwork, formed the basis for the statutory Record of Monuments and Places (RMP) (established under Section 12 of the National Monuments (Amendment) Act 1994). Similar in format to the SMRs (comprising a list and set of maps), the RMPs were issued for each county in the State between 1995 and 1998. The lists and accompanying maps are available for inspection in county libraries and local authority planning offices in accordance with the relevant regulations made under the 1994 Act (Statutory Instrument Number 341 of 1994 National Monuments (Exhibition of Record of Monuments) Regulations 1994). They are also available to download from this website (see under Publications, Forms & Legislation).
Monuments included in the statutory RMP are legally protected and are generally referred to as “Recorded Monuments”. The addition of a monument to the ASI SMR database does not, of itself, confer legal protection. The reclassification of a monument on this website does not affect its legal status in any way. Anyone wishing to obtain information or seek clarification in this regard should consult the National Monuments Service (email nationalmonuments@housing.gov.ie). Copies of the relevant legislation are available to download from this website (see under Publications, Forms & Legislation).
Some monuments may be ‘Protected Structures’ for the purposes of the Planning and Development Act, 2000. No information on which monuments are so protected is available on this website. Anyone wishing to obtain information in this regard should contact the relevant local authority.
For more information on the legislative background to the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (NIAH) buildings survey dataset please refer to their website https://www.buildingsofireland.ie/FindOutMore/FailteWelcome/.”
The Historic and Archaeological Heritage Bill 2023
It is important to note that some of the current terminologies, definitions and lists will change or become obsolete with the passing of the new Heritage Bill
It appears that there will actually be increased protection for remains, such as undesignated cultural heritage. But it’s possible there may be some confusion in terms of statutory protection, legal processes, planning, etc. at the beginning.
As they’re getting ready for the new bill, they’ve been editing some of their online information. The Historic Environment Viewer (link above) has been changed and is a work in progress. And as the RMP is becoming obsolete (and being replaced by another list), they have removed some of their information/definitions from the website.
As an aside, I looked up Harry’s Lane in the Irish Historic Towns Atlas for Athlone (https://www.ria.ie/irish-historic-towns-atlas-online-athlone). They list the maps the lane is noted on and what name it went by:
“Unnamed 1784 (REM). Buttlar's Row 1837 (OS). Butler's Row 1854 (Val. 2), 1883 (Val. 3). Harry's Lane 1874; unnamed 1912, 1952; Mary's Lane 1989 (OS)”.