Senator Alison Comyn has welcomed what she described as a highly constructive meeting between traders at Drogheda Market and senior executives of Louth County Council, aimed at revitalising one of the town’s oldest and most valued institutions.
The meeting, held on Friday and facilitated by Senator Comyn, brought together market spokesperson Aspasia Howard and local traders with Louth County Council Chief Executive David Conway and senior executives David Jones and Thomas McEvoy.
Discussions focused on practical measures to increase footfall, improve safety and enhance the overall experience for customers and traders at the historic Bolton Square location. Ways to attract new traders and artisan stalls were also explored, with the aim of diversifying and strengthening the market’s appeal.
Speaking afterwards, Senator Comyn said Drogheda Market is deeply rooted in the town’s history and identity.
She said the market has traded for hundreds of years and holds strong personal and community significance, but like many traditional markets, it has faced challenges in recent times. She said it was encouraging to see a shared determination from both traders and the council to work together to restore the market.
Ahead of the meeting, traders agreed a clear action plan setting out priority measures that could deliver immediate improvements. These include launching a targeted advertising and promotional campaign across local print, online and social media platforms to raise awareness of market days, with collaboration from local businesses.
Other proposals include appointing a dedicated market warden during trading hours to manage traffic flow, facilitate short term free customer parking and provide oversight across the market area, as well as improving car park management through clearer signage and measures to prevent overnight parking.
The plan also calls for improved town-wide signposting on key approach roads, in shopping centres and at public transport arrival points to make the market easier to find for locals and visitors. Providing accessible public toilet facilities for traders and customers during market hours is also being examined, along with options for temporary or permanent solutions.
In addition, traders are seeking support for vendor recruitment and community engagement through local radio, community features and public announcements to attract new traders and broaden the range of goods on offer.
Senator Comyn said she was encouraged by the positive response from Louth County Council officials and their willingness to engage with the proposals.
She said the meeting was practical and solutions focused, adding that there is strong local goodwill towards Drogheda Market and that with the right supports in place it can once again become a vibrant hub for shoppers, tourists and small businesses.
She added that revitalising the market aligns with wider ambitions for Drogheda town centre regeneration, supporting local enterprise, enhancing tourism and bringing renewed life into the heart of the town.
Senator Comyn said she looks forward to continuing to work with traders, market representatives and Louth County Council to turn the proposals discussed into action in the weeks and months ahead.
