More than €12.6 million has been announced for three regeneration projects in County Louth, including €7.5 million for the Westgate project in Drogheda.
Fine Gael TD Paula Butterly said the funding forms part of a wider €409 million Government investment covering 120 projects across every local authority in the State.
In Louth, the announced allocations are:
- €7.5 million for Westgate in Drogheda
- €5 million for the St Nicholas Quarter in Dundalk
- €150,000 for Park Street and Francis Street in Dundalk
The funding is intended to support town and city regeneration, including bringing vacant and underused sites back into use and improving public spaces.
Deputy Butterly said the investment would support both Drogheda and Dundalk.
“This funding is a huge boost to Dundalk and Drogheda, which are places we all want to be able to congregate in, whether it’s to go shopping, meet friends or family or just visit to absorb the daily activity,” she said.
“We all want to see regeneration in our own communities and to provide spaces that are safe and attractive for people from all generations to gather and enjoy.”
€7.5 million for Westgate
The largest Louth allocation is €7.5 million for the Westgate project in Drogheda.
Westgate has been identified by Louth County Council as a major long-term regeneration project for the western side of Drogheda town centre.
The wider Westgate Vision covers areas around George’s Square, Narrow West Street, Old Abbey Lane, Fair Street, Dominick Street and the riverfront.
Its stated aims include improving public spaces and pedestrian links, supporting regeneration, enhancing connectivity and making better use of Drogheda’s historic urban fabric.
Louth County Council has previously outlined plans for works including a new gateway plaza at George’s Square, public realm improvements, a flexible community and cultural space, riverfront improvements and restoration work around the Old Abbey and medieval wall.
The latest €7.5 million allocation adds another significant funding commitment to the regeneration of the area.
Dundalk projects also funded
The latest announcement also includes €5 million for the St Nicholas Quarter in Dundalk and €150,000 for Park Street and Francis Street.
Butterly said the wider funding would help tackle dereliction and support civic and community infrastructure.
“Across the country this funding will drive economic growth, increase town footfall, combat dereliction, develop community and civic infrastructure,” she said.
She also paid tribute to local authorities, community groups and social enterprises involved in developing the projects.
“When complete, these projects will leave a lasting difference in Louth and will help to continue to make our towns and cities great places to live, work and raise a family,” she said.
For Drogheda, the €7.5 million Westgate allocation comes alongside other regeneration work already progressing in the area, including the separate redevelopment of West Gate House under the THRIVE programme. Louth County Council says that project will restore and reuse the historic West Street property as part of a wider heritage-led approach to regeneration.
