Thomas Byrne (Fianna Fail)

I will outline briefly the need for this playground project, which got the go-ahead under the Minister of State's predecessor, Dr. Martin Mansergh. East Meath is devoid of community facilities, although they are starting to come on stream. The Battle of the Boyne site, which is a major tourism attraction, provides the perfect opportunity to construct a playground for the benefit of east Meath, including Duleek, Donore, Slane, Tullyallen in County Louth, which is just across the river, and the wider catchment area including Drogheda and Navan. In that way, local inhabitants could enjoy the benefits of a public playground. It would be a win-win situation for the OPW and the Government as it would attract people to the Battle of the Boyne site from the locality who may not otherwise be attracted there. Similar schemes are in operation at Argillan Park in Balbriggan and at Newbridge House in Donabate. I hope the Government will proceed with the project based on those models, having received planning permission. I look forward to seeing progress being made with it as I know people are awaiting its completion.