The pedestrianisation plans for Drogheda seem to be on hold, for now at least, but it is good to see Louth County Council coming up with bold plans for a corner of Drogheda that has been in need of attention for a very long time.
Saint Peter’s Hill occupies an elevated site overlooking the town of Drogheda and across to the tower at Millmount on the far side of the River Boyne.
Behind it are the gates to St. Peter’s Church of Ireland, one of Drogheda’s finest buildings, built on a site that has been a centre of worship since the 12th Century.
It has seemed to many people that until recently planners were afraid of using open spaces to their full advantage and certainly Saint Peter’s Hill is a case in point.
Instead of using the square as a space where people can relax, sit down and enjoy a chat, it was dealt the fate of many other spaces in the town and was pressed into use as a carpark.
Recently though, Louth County Council announced that it proposes to develop a public meeting space at Peters Hill which will feature high-quality paving and seating, a bespoke sculptural art work and ‘soft planting’ and ‘street tree planting.’
This project is supported by the European Union’s PEACE IV Programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). Match-funding has been provided by the Executive Office in Northern Ireland and the Department of Rural and Community Development in Ireland.
Plans and particulars of the proposed development may be inspected or purchased until Tuesday 8th June 2021 (inclusive) at the offices of Louth County Council by appointment only (Due to Covid restrictions) at Drogheda Civic Offices, Fair Street, Drogheda, Co. Louth, A92 P440 and also at www.louthcoco.ie . Phone 1890 202303 to make appointment.
Submissions or observations with respect to the proposed development, dealing with the proper planning and sustainable development of the area in which the development would be situated, clearly marked “Part 8 – Peters Hill, Drogheda” may be made in writing to the undersigned at Louth County Council, Drogheda Civic Offices, Fair Street, Drogheda, Co. Louth, A92 P440 or by email to PeaceIV@louthcoco.ie before 5.00pm on Tuesday 22nd June 2021.
