John Clendennen (Offaly, Fine Gael)
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659. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform for an update on proposed development of a visitor’s centre at the Clonmacnoise Monastic Site, Shannonbridge, County Offaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47396/25]

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the Office of Public Works (OPW) is advancing a significant redevelopment of the visitor facilities at Clonmacnoise, supported through the EU Just Transition Fund. Our project partners include the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Offaly County Council and Fáilte Ireland.

This investment will deliver a substantial improvement to the existing visitor centre and enhancement in the visitor facilities generally at the site. The project aims to alleviate pressures currently experienced at peak times, while creating new and engaging visitor experiences. It will also bring the facilities up to modern accessibility, energy efficiency and sustainability standards.

Following the completion of an Options Appraisal Study in 2024, the OPW appointed an Integrated Design Team to progress the scheme. Ministerial Consent for the project was granted by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage in May 2025. The plans are currently on display at the refurbished Clonmacnoise Visitor Hub, where the OPW guide staff are available to discuss them with visitors.

The OPW intends to publish the tender for the main contract in the coming weeks and it is anticipated that works will commence on site in the first quarter of 2026. 

The OPW recognises the cultural and historical importance of Clonmacnoise and is committed to ensuring that the new facilities reflect the significance of the site and provide a high-quality, welcoming experience for all visitors.

Cormac Devlin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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660. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the status of the Battle of the Boyne visitor experience renewal (OPW), including scope, contract milestones and anticipated opening; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47404/25]

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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Since the 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 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 is multifaceted. The funding from Shared Island will progress 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. The house will 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.

Following enabling works to the Farmyard Complex in 2024, the first stage of a two-stage tender process for the appointment of an integrated design team for the Farmyard Complex has commenced. Once appointed, the design team will prepare a scheme to bring to planning. While there are significant complexities to the delivery of this project, the OPW is working towards an opening date in 2029.

The investment in the Battle of the Boyne Visitor Experience and the wider Oldbridge Estate is a major capital project and it is being delivered in compliance with the Infrastructure Guidelines and the Capital Works Management Framework. The full realisation of all elements of the project will require additional funding beyond the €10m from the Shared Island Fund and the OPW is working on securing this funding.

The Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre and the parklands at Oldbridge Estate continue to welcome visitors daily. National Heritage Week, from 16 - 24 August, was particularly successful, featuring the construction of a Boyne Curragh, a butterfly identification walk, a battlefield walk, and several other specialised tours. The Living History programme is ongoing on selected weekends throughout the year, and the annual Christmas Fair will take place on 29 and 30 November.