Vol. 574 No. 3
101 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his proposals for the development of the Battle of the Boyne site which was acquired by the State in August 2000 and which was to have been developed as part of the process of reconciliation between North and South; the developments which have taken place to date; if plans have been approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26723/03]
The Battle of the Boyne site is of major political, historical and symbolic significance on the island, particularly for those of the Unionist tradition. Its acquisition by the State was an important indication of the Government's commitment, under the Good Friday Agreement, to take further active steps to demonstrate its respect for the different traditions on the island of Ireland.
Since I responded to the House on 22 November 2001 on this matter, there have been a number of developments in regard to improving access to the battle site. In addition, the interdepartmental committee, chaired by my Department, has continued to advance plans for the long-term development of the project.
The battle site is now open to the public throughout the summer, from May through to September. Guided tours of the site are available on a daily basis and a living history programme takes place every Sunday during that period. Replicas of military ordnance from the period, such as canons and muskets, are also on display. During the past year the Office of Public Works has carried out extensive work on Oldbridge House and Meath County Council has begun major road works to improve access to the site. It is now possible to have an enjoyable visitor experience at this historic site and the quality of that experience will continue to be improved and expanded as time goes on and as resources allow.
On the long-term development of the site, the interdepartmental committee has concluded its work and has finalised its recommendations. I intend to take these recommendations to Government at an appropriate time. The committee is comprised of representatives of the Departments of Foreign Affairs, Taoiseach, Finance, the Environment, Heritage and Local Government; as well as the Office of Public Works, Bord Fáilte and the Grand Lodge of the Orange Order.
