A new video released by Drogheda City Status Group (DCSG) lays bare what many already know — Drogheda has outgrown its “town” label and stands today as Ireland’s newest city.
Using powerful aerial footage, the short film captures the breathtaking scale of Drogheda’s rapid expansion, showcasing dozens of new residential developments and sprawling urban growth across Louth and East Meath.
Backed by new CSO data, the film highlights that Drogheda’s population has now surpassed 50,000 people — crossing the threshold that defines a city under European Union standards. This growth milestone has been reached six years ahead of official projections, which had estimated the 50,000 mark wouldn’t be met until 2031.
Despite this, Drogheda remains administratively split and governed remotely from Dundalk and Navan — a situation that campaigners say is stifling local progress and preventing fair access to funding, infrastructure, and services.
“Drogheda is Ireland’s fastest-growing urban centre, yet it lacks the local governance to match,” DCSG Chairperson Anna McKenna said. “We need representation, resources, and decision-making power right here — for housing, jobs, education, and sustainable growth.”
The new film takes viewers on a sweeping journey over Drogheda’s newest neighbourhoods — including Boice Court, Bayview Gardens, Ballymakenny Park, Beaulieu Banks, and Bryanstown Wood — clearly illustrating the scale of development transforming the town into a true city.
As DCSG continues its campaign for formal city recognition, the video serves as both evidence and rallying call for meaningful local governance: Drogheda is a city — and it’s time Ireland recognised it.
