Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 2 Jul 1998

Vol. 493 No. 5

Written Answers. - Battle of the Boyne Site.

Proinsias De Rossa

Question:

46 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the terms of reference of the Interdepartmental Committee established by him on the development of the Battle of the Boyne site; when it is expected to complete its work and bring forward specific proposals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16352/98]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Andrews)

The interdepartmental committee on the development of the Battle of the Boyne site met for the first time in March this year. The committee consists of representatives of the Departments of Foreign Affairs; Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands; Environment and Local Government; as well as the Office of Public Works and Bord Fáilte. It is chaired by a senior official of the Department of Foreign Affairs.

The terms of reference of the committee are to examine how best to develop the historic Battle of the Boyne site and to encourage and facilitate an understanding of the battle, in the context of promoting reconciliation and mutual understanding on the island of Ireland.

The committee has met on two occasions and a further meeting is planned for next week. At the last meeting, the committee approved a comprehensive research and planning proposal prepared by experts at the Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands.

The research envisaged will involve an initial programme to establish an inventory of all known historical and archaeological material and the creation of an extensive cartographic and photographic record, identification of significant locations in the battlefield and the development of a greater understanding of the wider context of the event.

The planning study will be designed to look at the optimal visitor circulation and traffic patterns, infrastructural requirements, land use and developmental issues, visitor facilities, viewing points and signage. It will also include recommendations for ongoing management and further research. Once the research and planning stages are completed, the committee will examine proposals for the longer term development of the site.

The British-Irish Agreement has given added impetus and importance to the project. The Agreement commits the Government to continue to take further active steps to demonstrate its respect for the different traditions in the island of Ireland.

It is my hope that the project might be developed as part of the Government's millennium programme. I am very pleased by the extremely positive response to this initiative among interested groups, including local community groups in the neighbourhood of the site.