Detection Device Consent

Any individual, private or part of a commercial organisation, planning to conduct an archaeological geophysical survey for a project in Ireland must apply to the Licensing Section, National Monuments Service (Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage) for a license (consent) to use a detection device. The licensing team at the National Monuments Service currently require a minimum 3 weeks to process applications before geophysical fieldwork can commence.

Site access, ground conditions & livestock

TARGET’s magnetometry & EMI surveys use arrays of multiple geophysical sensors or individual probes towed behind an ATV/quad bike. To avoid delay to fieldwork the following requirements must be fulfilled prior to commencement on site:

  • Geophysical survey by quad bike only
  • Fieldwork on grassland/stubble/vegetation where ground cover does not exceed 30cm in height
  • No fieldwork on ploughed fields, bog or potato ridges
  • Hay/straw bales removed to 1 location or along boundary edges
  • Gates/access unlocked to facilitate getting equipment on site
  • All cattle removed prior to fieldwork

Insurances, Health & Safety

TARGET maintains public liability & professional indemnity insurances, copies of which can be made available to clients on request.

Valid Safepass & quad/ATV training certification, project specific site risk assessment, method statement & safety statement also available on request.