Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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Oldbridge Estate is the site of the original historic battlefield of the Battle of the Boyne. It was acquired by the Irish State for the purpose of conserving and presenting the location of this pivotal event in Irish history, and welcomes 30,000 annual visitors to the Visitor Centre and almost 500,000 people annually to the parklands.

In 2023, the OPW completed two major studies into the built and natural heritage of Oldbridge Estate: a Conservation Management Plan (CMP), to be published in Q1 2024, and Biodiversity Baseline Study. These studies have informed a number of projects that were delivered in 2023: upgrades to the path surfaces and edges in the Walled Garden and Octagon Garden, works to prop up a limb of the Battle Oak, refurbishment of the Butler’s House as usable back-of-house space, and investigative work to the ceilings in the Visitor Centre. Projects identified for 2024 include investigations into the restoration of the historic Pit House in the Walled Garden, works to conserve the remaining Estate Walls, a programme of interior and exterior painting, and upgrades to visitor facilities in the Walled Garden.

In the longer-term, the OPW plans an extensive refurbishment of Oldbridge House, to restore and open the upper floors in compliance with disability access and fire regulations. It is envisioned that the fully restored Oldbridge House will serve both as a heritage experience, encompassing the Battle of the Boyne and the lengthy ownership by the Coddington family, and will also have the flexibility to serve as a location for Government business. This scheme is in the design phase and works will likely be subject to planning, so a programme of works cannot be provided at this early stage.

The Farmyard Complex, located between the battlefield and the River Boyne, is in need of restoration works, and is not currently open to visitors. The OPW plans to develop a full project to refurbish and conserve the Farmyard to expand and evolve the scale and scope of visitor experience on site. This project is at an early stage and is subject to final sanction as a capital project. To progress this, a ground penetrating radar survey of the farmyard will begin shortly to identify any archaeological material below ground. Tenders have also been invited for an ecological survey of the Farmyard Complex as the first step in developing this landmark scheme. Delivery of this project will be subject to available funding.

Meath County Council’s Boyne Greenway project is continuing to progress, with a new Emerging Preferred Route announced before Christmas. This revised route will follow the canal towpath on the south bank of the river Boyne, and along the boundary of Oldbridge Estate for approximately 1.5km. It will add significantly to the accessibility of Oldbridge to a range of visitors.