Drogheda Boys & Girls FC is continuing its efforts to restore basic facilities at Marley’s Lane where more than 300 children play football every week.
The club previously had toilet and changing facilities at the grounds, but these were destroyed in an arson attack in 2021. Since then players, parents, referees, and visiting teams have been using the pitches without any permanent toilet or changing facilities.
The Chairperson, Lauren McGinn took over the role one year ago and together with a new volunteer committee have been working tirelessly to try and deliver basic toilet and changing facilities for our members
As part of that work the club submitted a Pre-Connection Enquiry with Uisce Éireann in March 2025 to explore the possibility of installing permanent utilities at the site. When progress on utilities was slow the club identified a modular solution that would provide toilets and changing rooms.
An architect was engaged and a full planning application was progressed. Planning permission for the project was granted in December 2025. The club then commissioned the required engineering and drainage design reports and secured grant funding to support the development.
Applications were also submitted for a Fire Safety Certificate and Disability Access Certificate.
At present the club is waiting for decisions on the Fire Safety Certificate and Disability Access Certificate with the current decision date expected around April 3rd 2026. These approvals are required before the modular units can be installed and used.
Once approval is granted a Commencement Notice will be submitted and construction works can begin. The project will then require installation of a drainage soakaway, installation of the modular changing room and toilet units, connection of water, power and drainage services and final compliance certification.
The issue has recently been highlighted at national level. It was raised in the Seanad by Senator Alison Comyn who pointed to the challenges community sports clubs face when trying to deliver essential infrastructure.
Dundalk based TD Erin McGreehan also visited Marley’s Lane during a recent club clean up day to meet with the committee and discuss the situation facing the club.
Both TD Erin McGreehan and TD Ged Nash are currently assisting the club by following up on the Fire Safety Certificate process which is the key step required before the project can proceed.
The club says the ongoing delays have been very difficult for both the committee and its members.
The Chairperson said the volunteer committee has spent the past year working tirelessly to progress the project while trying to reassure families that everything possible is being done to deliver basic facilities.
However the delays have made the process increasingly difficult as more than 300 children continue to use Marley’s Lane every week without access to toilets or changing rooms.
The committee says it remains fully committed to delivering the project but described the prolonged process as frustrating and disheartening for everyone involved who simply wants to see basic amenities restored for the young people in the community.
