Louth County Council meets with Drogheda traders in effort to bring market back to life

A meeting has taken place between Louth County Council executives and traders from Drogheda market in an effort to breath new life into the town's market. 

Market traders and spokesperson Asapsia Howard met with Louth County Council Chief Executive David Conway and senior executives David Jones and Thomas McEvoy. 

The meeting facilitated by Senator Alison Comyn focused on improving safety, increasing footfall and enhancing the overall experience at the Bolton Square market. 

Senator Comyn said Drogheda Market is part of the fabric of the town and has generations of families memories tied to it. 

"Like many traditional markets, it has faced challenges in recent years, but what was so encouraging about this meeting was the shared determination from traders and the council to work together to restore it to some of its former glory,” she said. 

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Prior to the meeting, traders set out an action plan for measures that could make necessary improvements to the market. 

• Launching a focused advertising and promotional campaign across local print, online and social media, with collaboration from local businesses to boost awareness of market days.
  

• Appointing a dedicated market warden during trading hours to manage traffic flow, allow short-term free customer parking and provide oversight across the market area.
  

• Improving car park management, including clear signage to prevent overnight parking and ensuring the market area remains free of obstructions so traders can access their spaces safely.

• Introducing better town-wide signposting, particularly on key approach roads, in shopping centres and at public transport arrival points, to make the market easier to find for locals and visitors alike.
  

• Providing accessible public toilet facilities for traders and customers during market hours, with options for temporary or permanent solutions to be examined.

• Supporting vendor recruitment and community engagement through local radio interviews, community features and announcements to attract new traders and diversify the market’s offering.

Senator Comyn said she was encouraged by the response from Louth County Council and their willingness to engage with the traders. 

“This was not a talking shop. It was a practical, solutions-focused discussion, and that is exactly what Drogheda Market needs right now.”

“There is huge goodwill locally towards the market, and with the right supports in place, it can once again become a vibrant hub for shoppers, tourists and small businesses," she said. 

The Fianna Fáíl Senator also said a thriving market would complement the ongoing regeneration work in Drogheda and said more traders need to be encouraged to take part.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.