Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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172. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform further to Parliamentary Question No. 368 of 9 April 2024, if he will provide an update on proposed developments at the Oldbridge site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30657/24]

Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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Since the welcome announcement of €10m of funding from Shared Island for the enhancement of the visitor attraction at the Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre and Oldbridge Estate, the OPW has been working to progress this landmark project.

The deputy may find my responses to PQ 1758/24 and PQ 15330/24 useful, as these outlines in some detail the vision for Oldbridge Estate.

The 500-acre Estate was acquired in 2000 in order to preserve and present the unique history of the Battle of the Boyne, and the visitor centre located in Oldbridge House opened in 2008. The parklands currently attract over 400,000 visitors per year.

The OPW's plan for the Estate has three elements, which it is hoped can progress in parallel - the funding from Shared Island is focussed on the restoration of the Farmyard Complex to transform how we tell the story of the Battle of the Boyne through new visitor experience elements. With the relocation of the interpretation of the Battle, the refurbishment of Oldbridge House can be undertaken to restore and open the upper floors in compliance with disability access and fire regulations will be possible. The house will then open as a new historic property offering to explore the history of Oldbridge, and of Ireland. There will also be improved ancillary visitor facilities, such as car and bicycle parking, lighting, signage and other exterior enhancements.

Enabling works to the Farmyard complex are complete, with the relocation of the gardening works depot to another location on site as well as the examination, categorisation and relocation of the architectural salvage within the yard. Environmental and archaeological investigations will take place in the coming months and will form part of future planning applications.

The investment will be a major capital project and, therefore, is subject to governance processes in line with the scope and significance of the works. The project is progressing through the steps set out in the Infrastructure Guidelines. The full realisation of the three elements of the project will also require significant funding to augment the €10m from the Shared Island Unit. This additional funding is being pursued at present to ensure that all elements of the project can progress together, to minimise duplication and deliver the project as efficiently as possible.

The OPW’s team are also procuring the necessary supporting reports to enable the project to proceed to the next stages, which will involve tendering for a design team ahead of bringing the works to planning.

The Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre and the parklands at Oldbridge Estate continues to welcome visitors daily. The annual Summer Fair on 8^th and 9^th June was highly successful, and the Walled Garden will host an outdoor theatre night in association with the Droichead Arts Centre on Thursday 11^th July.