Boyne battle plans get go-ahead

A museum is to be built at the Boyne battle site

A new visitor and exhibition centre at the site of the Battle of the Boyne has been granted planning permission.

The Irish government is to develop the site at Oldbridge House near Drogheda in County Meath.

When finished, the centre is expected to draw 100,000 visitors on an annual basis.

The battle was fought between William of Orange and Catholic King James II in 1690. The Protestant Orange Order celebrate William's victory on 12 July.

Last year, the Irish government announced it would spend 15m euro to fund a museum and interpretive centre at the site.

A small visitors' centre is already operating and attracted 25,000 visitors last year.

Plans for the future include an extended centre with maps, models and graphics depicting the battle.

There will also be a display of replica 17th Century artillery and a series of audio-visual displays.

Tea rooms, toilet facilities, car and bus parking, access and landscaping will also be included.

Planning permission was granted to the Office of Public Works by Meath County Council on Monday.

A spokesman for the Office Public Works that the OPW was "delighted" that permission had been granted and hoped the project could now proceed.

He said the OPW would not be appealing any conditions imposed by the council.