Louth County Council lodge planning application for Westgate redevelopment

Louth County Council have announced that a planning application has this week been lodged with An Bord Pleanala for significant regeneration of the Westgate area of Drogheda. 

The project was commissioned by Louth County Council, led by its Placemaking & Physical Development team and is funded through the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF), a flagship initiative of Project Ireland 2040, and match funded by Louth County Council.

The proposed improvements to the public realm in the Westgate area will encompass several streets including Georges Street to Dominick Street and from Fair Street to Father Connolly Way, included among the proposed works are:

• A new gateway plaza at George’s Square
• Flexible community and cultural space
• Public art installation marking the location of the medieval West Gate
• Revitalising the river front
• Repair and restoration of the Old Abbey and the Medieval Wall
• The planning application has been informed by the feedback from the local community. The public consultation phase received almost 500 submissions, providing a snapshot of how residents and businesses see the future of Drogheda.
• Drogheda’s rich heritage proved to be a common theme, with 44% of respondents supportive of revealing and cleaning the town’s medieval walls. Enhanced usage and accessibility of public spaces was also a popular request, with 26% requesting an outdoor meeting and seating area.

Joan Martin, Chief Executive of Louth County Council, said:

“This is a really important step forward for the town of Drogheda. Should this planning application be granted, it will allow us to improve an important part of the town, making it more attractive, accessible and sustainable for the future.”

David Jones, Director of Services with Louth County Council, said:

“Enhancing the public realm for Drogheda is a key aspect of futureproofing the town for new investment, making for more accessible and sustainable communities in the heart of Drogheda.”

Louth County Council’s Place Making Team have led the process from its inception, including the preparation of a funding application which secured funds from the URDF. The team has been supported by lead planning and communications consultant, Turley.

Full details of the proposed works are available at:  https://consult.louthcoco.ie/en/consultation/westgate-2040

Any submissions on the planning application are to be submitted directly, in writing, to An Bord Pleanala up until February 9th 2024.