Drogheda is one of 26 town centres nationally set to benefit from the Town Centre First Heritage Revival Scheme (THRIVE) , awarded under Ireland’s two European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Regional Programmes.
THRIVE was developed by the Southern Regional Assembly and the Northern and Western Regional Assembly, working in close partnership with the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
It aims to allow Local Authorities and citizens to reimagine and revitalise town centres though the renovation and reuse of publicly owned vacant or derelict heritage buildings.
Green Party Candidate for Drogheda Rural, Anthony Murphy, said:
“Any and all investment we receive in our town is welcome, I am especially delighted to see funding awarded to help protect our towns heritage. I want to see a Town Centre First Team and plan implemented here in Drogheda, we need to build on this work and fully regenerate Drogheda. I want Drogheda to become a thriving City but development and growth of our town needs to be sustainable.
“This much needed funding will assist in revitalising Drogheda town centre though the renovation and reuse of publicly owned vacant or derelict heritage buildings” said Fine Gael TD, Fergus O’Dowd.
“Drogheda has suffered greatly at the hands of dereliction and whilst we await the final decision from An Bord Pleanála on Drogheda’s long awaited major regeneration project, the Westgate Vision, which is expected by mid-June, this additional funding will certainly allow us identify suitable projects that are ready for capital works.”
Minister of State for Local Government and Planning at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Alan Dillon TD said: “This initial tranche of funding under THRIVE will facilitate the development and enhancement of integrated urban strategies using a Town Centre First Approach and will assist local authorities to identify suitable projects and ensure they are ready to commence capital works.
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien TD said: “This fund is empowering communities to shape the future of their town centres by identifying opportunities which will help ensure the long-term vitality of our urban hubs. I very much look forward to seeing the impact this scheme will have and the resulting substantial regeneration which will strengthen the economic, social, and cultural vibrancy of towns throughout Ireland.”
Minister of State for Nature, Malcolm Noonan said: “THRIVE will support local authorities, not only in protecting and preserving underused heritage buildings, but also ensuring their long term sustainability through their renovation and adaptive reuse. This funding will also promote increased public awareness and appreciation of the valuable built heritage in our town centres as part of the delivery of Town Centre First policy. “
