L-R Chief Executive of Louth County Council David Conway, Scotch Hall Centre Manager Nichola Duffy, Mayor of Drogheda Cllr Declan Power, Changing Places for Drogheda chair Annette Monaghan and Cllr Paddy McQuillan at Scotch Hall.
Changing Places Drogheda campaigners have welcomed confirmation that a new facility is planned for Scotch Hall Shopping Centre, with work expected to begin in January 2027.
The campaign has been led locally by Annette Monaghan, a volunteer with Changing Places Ireland and a longtime advocate for improved facilities for people with complex disabilities.
Annette said her own campaign for a Changing Places facility in Drogheda began in 2016, with a formal town-centre campaign established in 2018.
The aim was to secure a facility in central Drogheda so that people with complex disabilities and their families could spend time in the town without having to plan outings around access to a suitable toilet.
“I am absolutely delighted that we have reached this milestone,” she said.
Years of campaigning
The Changing Places Drogheda campaign has been ongoing for years, bringing together families, disabled people, local groups and public representatives.
Anette said the campaign had always been a collective effort involving parents, disabled people, disability groups, local NGOs, councillors and ministers.
She paid particular tribute to Cllr McQuillan, who she said had continued to support the campaign over the years.
“His commitment and assistance have been invaluable in helping bring us to where we are today,” she said.
McQuillan, who has worked in the disability sector, said he first became involved with the campaign after Annette introduced him to Changing Places in 2019.
“Working in the disability sector I immediately recognised the need for such a facility in my home town,” he said.
“Changing Places facilities are public toilets for individuals with disabilities who have specific needs. I have said many times that people who require the use of Changing Places should have access to them.”
He added that a lack of appropriate facilities can prevent people from taking part fully in community life.
“Denying individuals access to these facilities is denying them access to social, cultural and economic activity.”
A personal campaign
For Annette, the campaign is also deeply personal because of her son Jamie.
She said Jamie regularly visits Scotch Hall with friends, carers and family and should be able to enjoy time in the town without having to cut outings short because of a lack of suitable facilities.
“A Changing Places Toilet will make a real difference, providing dignity to loved ones and give families greater confidence when planning outings and allow people with complex disabilities to spend more time enjoying their community,” she said.
She also acknowledged earlier advocacy by local mothers Geraldine Conway and Ursula Reagan, who she said approached Scotch Hall around 2006 seeking an adult-sized changing bench for their sons, Alex and Ryan.
She said their efforts formed an important part of the story and welcomed plans to upgrade the area associated with those earlier facilities.
Scotch Hall plans refurbishment
Following meetings with Scotch Hall Centre Manager Nichola Duffy and Cllr McQuillan, Annette said she was shown plans for the proposed refurbishment.
She said Scotch Hall intends to include a Changing Places toilet as part of the upgraded facilities, with work expected to begin in January 2027.
Once completed and registered with Changing Places Ireland, she said it would be the first registered Changing Places toilet in a shopping centre in County Louth.
She praised Scotch Hall for taking the project forward.
“By addressing the need of suitable bathroom facilities, they are demonstrating Corporate Social Responsibility in action and helping to create places where more disabled people can shop, socialise, meet friends and spend time with their families.”
McQuillan also described Scotch Hall as an ideal location for the facility.
“Scotch Hall Shopping Centre is the perfect location within the town and with plenty of accessible amenities and services that people with a disability want to enjoy,” he said.
He thanked Nichola Duffy and the centre’s management team for their commitment to the project.
Council support
Both Annette and Cllr McQuillan also acknowledged the role of Louth County Council.
McQuillan thanked Chief Executive David Conway and Director of Service Thomas McEvoy for supporting the project and said the council had agreed to provide financial backing.
Annette said the council had been proactive and positive in its engagement with the campaign over the years.
She also pointed to changes introduced under Building Regulations Part M from January 2023, which recognise that standard accessible toilets do not meet everyone’s needs.
However, she said legislation alone would not deliver all of the facilities required and that businesses and organisations also needed to take action.
‘A positive step towards a more inclusive town’
Annette said the project represented years of advocacy by local families and supporters.
“Today is a great day for Drogheda. It is the result of years of advocacy and collaboration, and a positive step towards a more inclusive town and ensure our disabled people can enjoy their communities with dignity, comfort and confidence,” she said.
Cllr McQuillan added that the facility would benefit families and disability services across South Louth and beyond.
“This Changing Places will enhance the lives of families with disabled loved ones and it is a necessary addition for all the disability services that care for people in South Louth and beyond.”
Work on the new facility is expected to begin in January 2027 as part of the planned refurbishment at Scotch Hall.
