A vote of confidence in Drogheda says Mayor
A really exciting time for Drogheda – O’Dowd
Louth County Council is to receive €672,208 from Fáilte Ireland to bring to life major landmark buildings and structures in Drogheda’s historic streets to tell the tales and myths associated with the Boyne River.
Landmarks such as Millmount, St Laurence’s Gate, St Peter’s Church, the Viaduct, Barlow House and Scotch Hall will be transformed using public art, light installations and large outdoor performance spaces.
“This funding is part of a €5m Urban Animation Capital Investment Scheme from the Government and it’s fantastic that Drogheda is to receive over 13% of the entire budget” said Mayor James Byrne.
“This significant investment is a real vote of confidence in Drogheda as a Failte Ireland ‘Destination Town” he added.
Niall Kierans, the Chair of the LoveDrogheda BID, welcomed the announcement, saying: ”We are delighted that this major application was successful. LoveDrogheda BID offered its assistance to Louth County Council (LCC) to make this application as attractive for consideration as possible and we are thrilled that our efforts have yielded fruit.
“We look forward to offering any further assistance LCC might require to bring this fantastic project to fruition.
“Coupled with Failte Ireland’s previously announced grant of €500,000 for the Destination Town, waymarking and signage, and other forthcoming projects in the BID pipeline, a lot is now beginning to happen.
“These efforts combined will have a profound affect for tourism for our town and will help contribute somewhat to the recovery of our beleaguered accommodation and hospitality sector.”
Local Fine Gael TD, Fergus O’Dowd, said the scheme, which was announced by Minister Catherine Martin, aims to transform and re-imagine urban spaces and this particular investment will develop Drogheda’s historic streetscapes by bringing back to life the myths and legends associated with the River Boyne through lighting installations and street art.
“This is really wonderful news and a further statement on the government’s commitment to developing Drogheda, we are the only town in the country to have been allocated funding through the scheme” O’Dowd said.
“This announcement will further compliment the previous allocation of €500k for the Failte Ireland Destination Town Plan for Drogheda which is due to be completed in 2022, which will provide wayfinding signage along the axis of the old town walls to link the Heritage assets in Drogheda’s historic core.
“We also have the Westgate Vision Plan and the Drogheda Implementation Plan progressing in the background, this is a really exciting time for Drogheda as we continue our transition to a city in the coming years.”
Welcoming the initiative announced today, the Green Party Rep for Drogheda Rural and Chair of the Louth / East Meath Greens Anthony Murphy said:
“I am delighted that Drogheda was selected as one of only seven locations nationwide to receive funding for this innovative initiative. Drogheda has much to be proud of and this initiative will help us to highlight some of the towns spectacular landmarks.”
