Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)

I am grateful for the opportunity to address this matter which has been brought to the attention of the House by Senator Byrne. Oldbridge Estate comprises 500 acres of land, with an 18th century manor house, stable and farm buildings. The property was the core site of the historic Battle of the Boyne between King James II and King William III in 1690. The site is dear to the traditions of the Unionist community in Northern Ireland and played a pivotal role in the recent peace process. The Office of Public Works has developed the site as a heritage and tourism presentation. Senator Thomas Byrne has taken a great interest in this and lives quite close to the site. Following in-depth historical and archaeological research, a programme of works was implemented. The manor house was restored and adapted as the main visitor focus with several exhibitions and services. These included models, graphics, artefacts, multimedia projections, an audio-visual show, displays of replica artillery, maps and literature. The house also has a reference library and adjacent tea rooms. It is staffed by OPW guides and is open all year round. A car and bus park has been provided, together with toilets and signage. Extensive signposted walks are laid out throughout the grounds. Further improvements are planned including the completion of the large walled gardens restoration project.

A variety of events and animations are held in the main tourist season, including living history displays of cavalry and musketry, theatrical presentations, athletic competitions and community events. The site has been an outstanding success on many levels and attracts large numbers of visitors. More than 40,000 visitors annually are received in the formal presentations in the house. However, experience over the past few years has shown a strong pattern of use of the grounds and walkways by local and regional leisure, sports and recreational visitors from the Meath and Louth hinterland. Families, in particular, come in large numbers to avail of the open parkland and services such as the tearooms and gardens. In this context it was suggested that a children's playground would enhance the overall attraction of the park and provide much needed facilities for regular users from the local and regional community. It is widely recognised that playing activity enhances the overall educational well-being of children and stimulates appreciation of their environment.

The OPW agreed in principle with these objectives, developed a design scheme for a playground and obtained planning permission from Meath County Council on 26 September 2011. Final design details are currently being completed and it is intended to invite tenders for the project shortly. In these times of major economic challenge, it is difficult for the OPW to prioritise the allocation of scarce financial resources for such projects and the matter will be reviewed again when tenders have been received. Given the benefits of such a facility to the local community and the remit of local authorities in this context, Meath County Council has also been asked to make a contribution to the cost of the provision of the playground and its subsequent maintenance. It is felt that such an approach would further the objectives of both organisations and result in the successful provision of an additional popular facility in the county. The net issue is that I want to see it happen. We have planning permission and we are seeking a contribution from Meath County Council. On Sunday, I will make my third visit to Oldbridge, which is a fantastic facility. I agree that we need to build a playground because it will enhance the excellent facilities. We are getting the tenders back and I hope we can give it the green light so that the playground is in place in 2012, the sooner the better.