Planning approval granted for major Louth regeneration project

Louth County Council has announced that An Bord Pleanála has granted planning approval for the Westgate Vision project.

The objective of the Westgate Vision is to bring about a positive identity to the west end of Drogheda, to recover the townscape area, and to create a dynamic regeneration for the broader town centre.

A spokesperson for the council said:

"The approval marks a significant milestone in urban regeneration and public realm enhancement efforts, positioning the project as a catalyst for rejuvenating Drogheda's town centre.

"This phase of the Westgate Vision, up to planning consent, was funded as a Category B project by the URDF (Urban Regeneration Development Fund) with matched funding by Louth County Council.  

"The URDF provides funding for the delivery of key objectives of Project Ireland 2040, and it is expected that future phases of the Westgate Vision project will be eligible for capital funding under future rounds of URDF, channelling investment into Drogheda's core."

David Conway, Chief Executive of Louth County Council, welcomed the decision, saying: “The approval of planning for the Westgate Vision is a major step forward in our commitment to urban regeneration in County Louth. This project will reimagine and reinvigorate Drogheda’s historic core, providing enhanced public spaces, better connectivity, and a more vibrant environment for businesses, residents, and visitors. Louth County Council is dedicated to delivering a town centre that reflects the area’s rich heritage while supporting future growth.”

Cllr Kevin Callan, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, added: “Drogheda has a unique history and an exciting future, and the Westgate Vision will play a crucial role in shaping the town for generations to come. This project will not only enhance the physical environment but create opportunities for businesses and the wider community. The support from An Bord Pleanála is a clear endorsement of the ambitious vision Louth County Council has for the town.”

Turley Planning was appointed by Louth County Council to lead the integrated Urban Design Team for Westgate Phase I, collaborating with Arrow Architects to develop design proposals, an Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR), and a Natura Impact Statement. 

The approved designs focus on enhancing the public realm in four key areas:

• Westgate Area: The Westgate area is the entrance gateway from the west into Drogheda’s Heritage Quarter. The design proposals will reconnect buildings onto the street front and create a strong entry into the Medieval Walled Town area. The proposals include a sequence of public terraces on Georges Street that support commercial activity and reactivate the street frontages, with links connecting to the River Boyne, forming a starting point for a new experience of Drogheda’s medieval town.
• Old Abbey Area: Improving connections to the Old Abbey through surrounding streets and lanes, establishing an event space for year-round use. The design approach respects the historical context, clearly distinguishing between new and existing elements to showcase the Old Abbey's heritage.
• Medieval Town Wall: Connecting Westgate to the River Boyne via a curved walkway, providing a fresh perspective and identity to the historic town wall.
• Boyne River Front: Reconnecting Drogheda's town centre to the river Boyne, revitalising the riverfront, and creating further value to public spaces and the town centre. 

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Paul McMonagle, Associate Director at Turley Planning, commented: "We are delighted to have supported Louth County Council in securing planning permission for these significant public realm regeneration works within the Westgate area of Drogheda. The approval represents a pivotal moment for this transformational project, which is part-funded under the Urban Regeneration Development Fund (URDF), a flagship initiative of Project Ireland 2040. Importantly, the Westgate 2040 project has people and places at its heart and will act as a catalyst to support positive regeneration, compact growth, and sustainable development of the area and the wider Drogheda Town Centre."

For more details on the Westgate Vision proposals, visit Louth County Council's consultation portal and An Bord Pleanála website.