New drone footage has offered a look inside West Gate House in Drogheda as work continues on the major THRIVE redevelopment project.
The historic building and the former Drogheda Youth Development building are being prepared for transformation into a new community and cultural facility in the heart of the town.
West Gate House is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union through the ERDF Southern, Eastern & Midland Regional Programme 2021–2027, with additional funding being provided by Louth County Council.
Drones used to survey unsafe building
West Gate House was built around 1790, but its condition meant it could not initially be safely accessed when work on the project began.
Drones were instead used to carry out the first detailed surveys of the buildings, allowing engineers and conservation specialists to photograph, record and measure the structure from outside.
Those surveys helped identify a number of significant structural issues.
Floors were found to be unstable, while several roof and gable support beams had deteriorated.
Extensive safeguarding works were then carried out to make it possible for specialist teams to enter the building safely.
This included supporting walls and ceilings, installing temporary floors and creating safe access routes throughout the site.
Drone footage https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqIpw-xPeSs
Six tonnes of asbestos removed
Around six tonnes of asbestos were identified and safely removed during the works.
Debris, along with bird and rodent waste, was also removed and affected areas were fully decontaminated.
The safeguarding works have now allowed more detailed architectural, engineering and archaeological surveys to be completed over recent months.
The findings are being used to shape the next stage of the project.
Shaffrey Architects are currently developing the detailed design for the restoration and redevelopment, with construction scheduled to begin in 2027.
Major plans for the site
Louth County Council secured €7 million in THRIVE funding for the project in September 2025.
The redevelopment will restore West Gate House, refurbish the former DYD building and link the two with a new extension.
Plans include a flexible theatre and performance space, rooftop public garden, exhibition and gallery areas, artist studios, digital media facilities, and meeting rooms for community groups and organisations.
The aim is to bring the long-vacant site back into public use as an accessible community, creative and cultural hub.
Uncovering the history of West Gate House
The latest surveys are also helping build a clearer picture of how West Gate House has changed over more than two centuries.
Research carried out so far indicates that the building began life as a family home before later being used for business, trade and industrial activity.
It eventually became a guest house, a use many Drogheda residents will remember.
Louth County Council has engaged community historian Brendan Matthews to prepare a social history of the building and the people connected with it.
A public presentation on those findings is planned for September, with further details expected shortly.
The Council says the overall THRIVE project is intended to preserve the historic character of West Gate House while giving the site a new role in Drogheda town centre.
More information on the project is available through Louth County Council’s official THRIVE West Gate House page.
