Thomas Byrne (Fianna Fail)

I thank the Cathaoirleach for his indulgence and allowing me to debate this motion. I failed to attend on Tuesday evening to discuss it because of a clash of diary commitments, for which I apologise. I also apologise to the Department and the officials involved.

This is an issue I have raised on a number of occasions on the Adjournment. I also raised it in the Dáil under the previous Government. There was a commitment given by the former Minister of State at the Department of Finance with responsibility for the OPW, Mr. Martin Mansergh, that the construction of a playground at the Battle of the Boyne site at Oldbridge, County Meath, would be given the go-ahead. To my delight and that of the people of counties Meath and Louth, this commitment was restated by the Minister of State, Deputy Brian Hayes. I am looking for an update on progress. The Minister of State, Deputy Brian Hayes, has spoken about a tender process which I hope will come to a satisfactory conclusion. Providing a playground would be in the best interests not only of the communities and children of the area, but also of the OPW and the administration at Oldbridge which would see a significant increase in the number of visitors and have facilities on a par with those available at Ardgillen Park or Newbridge House in County Dublin.