New path to follow King Billy's steps

HUBERT MURPHY

December 30 2012 10:04 PM

HISTORIC TREASURES associated with the Battle of the Boyne could be unearthed as part of a proposed new 'Rathmullen Slipway' by the banks of the river.

Earlier this year four Interreg projects in the Slane area were earmarked for funding, including the new pathway down to the Boyne.

However, it has been discovered in the past 10 days that the path is exactly where King William crossed the Boyne in advance of the 1690 conflict.

Henry Brennan, who outlined the projects to the Slane Area Council meeting, said that the area contained a lot of knotweed and a contractor would have to remove it and then add the slipway.

'It will be done in three phases and after Christmas we'll see what stage it can be taken to. The new Boyne walkway will come close to this too,' he stated.

Cllr Ann Dillon Gallagher said she presumed that the opportunity for an archaeological survey would have to be undertaken, given the significance of the location.

'I hope it won't hold up the plan,' she added.

Mr Brennan said that the initial dig would require some archaeological workbut it was only discovered in the previous 10 days that the site was so associated with King William.

It was also revealed that a pathway up to the Hill of Slane is also going to be funded as well as a panel sign on Gormanston Strand, outlining the delights of the area. It will be going to tender on January 31st 2013. The Slane plan should be going to build/design by March 31st next year.

The initial plan also included a Boyne Canal towpath walk but that has been super seeded by the Greenway project which will see a route from Drogheda to Oldbridge laid down.

The new proposal is to develop a walk around the grounds of the Oldbridge Estate.