Major refurbishment plans for Oldbridge House

Oldbridge House and complex is in line for further significant refurbishment works over the coming years according to an update provided by Minister of State for the OPW, Patrick O'Donovan in the Dáil.

In a response to a Dáil question by Louth and East Meath TD, Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asking for an update on the development of Oldbridge Estate, Minister O'Donovan outlined plans to carry out an extensive refurbishment of Oldbridge House including the full restoration and opening of the upper floors.

Oldbridge Estate is the site of the original historic battlefield of the Battle of the Boyne. It was acquired by the Irish State for the purpose of conserving and presenting the location of this pivotal event in Irish history, and welcomes 30,000 annual visitors to the visitor centre and almost 500,000 people annually to the parklands.

In 2023, the OPW completed two major studies into the built and natural heritage of Oldbridge Estate: a Conservation Management Plan, to be published in the first quarter of 2024, and a Biodiversity Baseline Study.

Minister O'Donovan said these studies have informed a number of projects that were delivered in 2023 including upgrades to the path surfaces and edges in the Walled Garden and Octagon Garden, works to prop up a limb of the Battle Oak, refurbishment of the Butler’s House as usable back-of-house space, and investigative work to the ceilings in the visitor centre.

He added that projects identified for 2024 include investigations into the restoration of the historic Pit House in the walled garden, works to conserve the remaining estate walls, a programme of interior and exterior painting, and upgrades to visitor facilities in the walled garden.

"In the longer-term, the OPW plans an extensive refurbishment of Oldbridge House, to restore and open the upper floors in compliance with disability access and fire regulations. It is envisioned that the fully restored Oldbridge House will serve both as a heritage experience, encompassing the Battle of the Boyne and the lengthy ownership by the Coddington family, and will also have the flexibility to serve as a location for Government business. This scheme is in the design phase and works will likely be subject to planning, so a programme of works cannot be provided at this early stage."

The Minister also outlined that the OPW plans to develop a full project to refurbish and conserve the farmyard complex to expand and evolve the scale and scope of visitor experience on site. "This project is at an early stage and is subject to final sanction as a capital project. To progress this, a ground penetrating radar survey of the farmyard will begin shortly to identify any archaeological material below ground. Tenders have also been invited for an ecological survey of the farmyard complex as the first step in developing this landmark scheme. Delivery of this project will be subject to available funding."

Deputy O’Dowd has welcomed the plans. He said: “When fully restored and operational, the complex will provide an improved heritage experience with the flexibility to serve as a location for Government business into the future.

“In November of 2021, my colleagues Ministers Coveney, O’Donovan and I met with OPW officials in Oldbridge House where we discussed the possible opportunities for the facility to become a key meeting point for North South activities.

“The Minister has also confirmed plans to refurbish and conserve the Farmyard Complex, located between the battlefield and the River Boyne, which they plan to open to the public to expand the scope of the visitor experience.

“It remains my firm believe that Oldbridge will become an international destination for tourists which will create very welcome employment and development opportunities.

“Alongside the ongoing development of the Boyne Greenway it really is exciting times for Oldbridge and the wider area.”