Thomas Byrne (Fianna Fail)
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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.

Ciarán Cannon (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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I apologise on behalf of the Minister of State, Deputy Brian Hayes, who is unable to be here and asked me to take this Adjournment matter on his behalf. I thank the Senator for raising it.

As the Minister of State outlined to the Seanad on 8 February, Oldbridge Estate was the core site of the historic Battle of the Boyne in 1690. The property comprises some 500 acres and an 18th century manor house, associated outbuildings and walled gardens. Following development by the Office of Public Works as a heritage and tourism presentation, the site has proved to be a popular public attraction. The site is of particular significance to the Unionist community in Northern Ireland and also attracts a broad range of general visitors. The extensive facilities provided, both indoor and outdoor, have won much praise and helped to establish Oldbridge as one of the top tourist attractions in the region. Over 40,000 visitors annually are received in the house, with multiples of this number making use of the grounds and walkways. Sport, leisure and recreational users represent a high proportion of the overall number of visitors and families, in particular, make great use of the open parkland, gardens and refreshment services.

In the light of this experience, OPW agreed, in principle, that a playground would be a fitting and popular additional facility and, having developed a design scheme, planning permission was obtained from Meath County Council. Following completion of final design details, tenders were invited for the first stage of the scheme. This comprises civil engineering works such as soil excavation, site preparation and drainage. The matter will be kept under review throughout the remainder of the year in the light of the prevailing financial climate.

Given the relevance of a playground facility to the local community and the role of the local authority 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. While a response has not yet been received from the council, it is considered such an approach would be mutually beneficial to the objectives of the two public bodies. If funding can be made available from the local authority, it would greatly help our commitment to enhancing this much needed facility at Oldbridge. The Minister of State is still confident that a solution can be found and has instructed his officials to contact the county council again to ascertain the level of funding it may be able to provide.

Thomas Byrne (Fianna Fail)
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I thank the Ministers of State for the reply with which, to a certain extent, I am satisfied in the sense that the commitment still stands. I understand the request of Meath County Council to provide funding was made some time ago, perhaps in the term of office of the previous Government. It is disappointing, therefore, to hear the Minister of State say the county council has not yet replied. I will urge my colleagues on the county council to take up this matter with it. The Minister of State needs to knock heads together, as this project would be mutually beneficial. The village of Donore is located beside the site. The local authority had earmarked funds for a playground there but failed to secure a suitable site. It seems this is the ideal solution, not only for Donore but for the wider area of east Meath and south Louth. I urge the Minister of State to telephone the officials involved. I will put a call through and ask my colleagues on the county council to push the issue. This would make the park a premier family and tourist destination. There are pony trials this weekend. In fact, there is something on there every weekend. The park gives great joy. It was one of the best investments during the Celtic tiger era. Apart from the site's sacred history for many people on the island, if a playground was provided, children, including my own, would obtain even more value and entertainment from it.

Michael Mullins (Fine Gael)
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The Senator has sold it well. We must all visit it.