City Status Group praises initiative of both Drogheda and East Meath Councillors
The Drogheda City Status Group (DCSG) has praised the recent initiative that will hopefully result in a historic first meeting between the Drogheda Municipal District and Laytown-Bettystown Municipal District.
Drogheda Councillors endorsed the recent proposal of Mayor James Byrne and a few days later the Cathaoirleach of Laytown-Bettystown Municipal Council, Councillor Elaine McGinty, secured the full support of her colleagues at a meeting in Duleek at which she proposed a motion that Laytown-Bettystown Municipal Council meet with Drogheda Borough Councillors.
Describing the determination of Councillors across the region to move forward together as “truly inspiring,” DCSG Chairperson Anna McKenna said the initiative will lead to a greater focus being placed on improving the lives and prosperity of the 80,000 people living in the immediate region.
“As Neil Armstrong’s remarked on landing on the moon “that’s one small step for man; one giant leap for mankind.”
“Drogheda and East Meath have been neglected for far too long, with limited IDA investment across this important region, resulting in thousands having to make long daily commutes to work, mainly in Dublin, with a consequent substantial environmental, social and economic cost for those involved.
“They are joined by many students who also must make long commutes to Third Level colleges, given that Drogheda – Ireland’s largest town and future city – has no such facility, something we have raised with Minister Simon Harris.
“Climate change now injects a real urgency in creating employment and education facilities where people live, given the Government recognises the need to dramatically reduce car journeys.”
Town and city planning expert Dr. Brian Hughes speaking in 2018 when he made a compelling case for Drogheda to become a city and the centre for local government taking in the areas of Laytown, Bettystown and Mornington. Photo: Andy Spearman.
Ms. McKenna, who attended both meetings with DCSG colleagues, said it was heartening to see the obvious synergies that will emerge when the Councillors from both Drogheda and East Meath sit down together – for example, one Councillor at the Duleek meeting spoke about the need to progress the Northern Cross Route.
Back in August 2018 DCSG hosted a symbolic joint meeting of Councillors but until now, Covid and other issues delayed progressing matters.
Maybe it was the afterglow of the Fleadh Cheoil but speakers at that 2018 meeting exuded optimism, positivity and determination in spades. Between them they sent out a call for the people of Drogheda to work together to get the recognition and investment the town deserves.
It is understood that the first meeting of the two councils will take place in early 2022, hosted by Louth Co. Council and it is to be hoped that it will lead to frequent joint meetings, especially now as both Louth and Meath Co Council move to developing a Joint Urban Plan for Greater Drogheda.
