Óglaigh Náisiúnta na hÉireann, the Organisation of National ex Service Personnel seeking a base for years
Councillor Kevin Callan has said that Drogheda needs a base for retired army personnel in the town in the form of an office and information centre.
Councillor referenced the fact that Óglaigh Náisiúnta na hÉireann (ONE), the Organisation of National ex Service Personnel, have been looking for a centre for a number of years and that to date this has not happened despite talks with Louth County Council.
In response the council told Councillor Callan that no suitable premises were available. Undeterred, Callan said that he would take the matter further with the Council’s management but highlighted the possibility of the ONE taking a premises in the Millmount complex.
“This is a group of people who have served our state and help fellow comrades in retirement with accessing services and supports” he said.
“There is a building inside the gate of Millmount that has been idle for years and will go derelict if it’s not put to use.
“The Millmount complex has a long military connection and would be a good venue for the centre to open.
Other councillors supported Cllr Callan’s motion. Callan thanked his colleagues and said he would continue to pursue the matter with the council in whose ownership the entire Millmount complex belongs.
In a letter to all Councillors, Jim Fay, the Secretary of ONE, said that Drogheda and its environs has a large veteran population, many of whom served in Gormanston, Dundalk or Castleblayney and that they wish to provide them with a place where they can meet former comrades.
“It is our understanding that Louth County Council owns property in the town centre area which it intends for community use” Mr. Fay said,
“ONE is requesting that some such property is allocated to ONE (which could be managed by the local Drogheda and Slane Branch) to be used as a veteran Support Centre.”
