Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 8 September 2025
660. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation 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]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince 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.
