Dundalk's St Nicholas Qtr regeneration moves step closer with signing of contract

^{Pictured above: Back row (l-r)) Enda O’Halloran Administrative Officer Procurement, Cllr Kevin Meenan, Olivia McCormack SEO Public Realm, Kevin MCGann BDP, Catherine Duff DOS and Chris Kelly Executive Engineer Public Realm. Front row (l-r) Cllr Conor Keelan, Joan Martin CE and Michael Mullen BDP}

Louth County Council has announced the appointment of BDP Ltd as the Architectural Lead Design Consultants for the St. Nicholas Quarter and Backlands Phase 1 Regeneration Scheme. 

This first phase of the project consists of the Public Realm works to the Northern Gateway, Bridge Street, Linenhall Street, Northgate Street and the Peace Park at the Fairgreen.

The local authority says these works will "regenerate and transform St Nicholas Quarter building upon its rich history, heritage, and the natural quality of the local environment". The planned works are aimed at enhancing the experience of people living and visiting this area of Dundalk, making it more attractive to the local community, members of the public, businesses, investors and tourists.

The project will include the prioritisation of pedestrians and cyclists, including traffic calming measures and providing for a more environmentally sustainable community. 

Speaking about the project, Kevin McGann Landscape Architect from BDP said, "This project will see enhancements to the public realm in this area of Dundalk that will instil positive change in terms of universal accessibility and a revitalised streetscape.

"It will also complete the link between Market Square and Dundalk Bridge seeing upgraded footpaths and carriageway to Bridge Street, Linenhall Hall Street and the Fair Green. We should hope that this project will provide a cohesive character to the area that has a positive effect on businesses and residents.”

Chief Executive, Joan Martin welcomed the signing at County Hall saying: “I welcome the appointment of BDP as Architectural Lead consultants for the St. Nicholas Quarter Phase 1 scheme.

"The regeneration of this historic part of Dundalk has been a strategic objective of Louth County Council for many years, and when complete it will provide a streamlined town centre experience from Market Square through to the northern end of town, making it an appealing accessible hub to live, shop, work and visit.”

Catherine Duff, Director of Services for Louth County Council said, “This appointment of BDP is a significant milestone in the St. Nicholas Quarter and Backlands Project.

"This initial phase 1 works will build upon the great success achieved from the recent Clanbrassil Street Public Realm project and help promote growth and investment in the St. Nicholas Quarter. This project will enhance the lives of the people living and working in Dundalk and bring much needed economic development that will sustain the town into the future”.