Funding of almost €24 million has been approved for the final phase of Drogheda’s Port Access Northern Cross Route (PANCR), a major road project that will connect the M1 to the Termonfeckin Road and help unlock almost 2,000 new homes on the town’s north side.
The funding, announced under the Government’s Housing Infrastructure Investment Fund, will allow work to proceed on Phase 3 of the long-planned route, including the construction of a bridge or underpass to cross the Dublin to Belfast railway line.
Once completed, the project will connect Phase 1 at Ballymakenny with Phase 2, which is currently under construction between Newtownstalaban and Aston Village, creating a continuous route across north Drogheda.
The railway crossing has long been regarded as the most complex element of the overall project and is seen as the key to unlocking future development lands on the town’s north side.
Project expected to unlock almost 2,000 homes in Drogheda
The Port Access Northern Cross Route Phase 3 is the largest of three Louth projects approved under the fund.
According to figures released with the announcement, the Drogheda scheme is expected to facilitate 1,965 homes, making it one of the most significant housing-enabling infrastructure projects in the county.
Funding has also been approved for upgrades at Leonard’s Cross in Upper Mell, which are expected to support a further 749 homes, while the Ash Walk Link Road project in Ardee will facilitate an additional 97 homes.
Together, the three projects have the potential to support the delivery of 2,811 homes across Louth.
Mayor welcomes funding for key Drogheda road project
The approval has been warmly welcomed by the newly elected Mayor of Drogheda, Cllr Declan Power, who described the announcement as a landmark moment for the town.
The €23.9 million allocation will fund the railway crossing needed to complete the final phase of the route, creating the missing link in a project that is already transforming the north side of Drogheda.
Speaking just days after taking office, Mayor Power said the timing of the announcement carried particular significance.
“In my inauguration speech last Monday, I spoke about the progress being made on Phase 2 and the importance of securing the housing activation funding needed to bring this project to completion. To have that funding approved in my very first week as Mayor of Drogheda is an incredibly welcome development as we drive things forward for Drogheda. This is exactly the kind of momentum our town needs.”
Mayor Power described the approval as a landmark moment for Drogheda.
“Phase 3 is the piece that makes the entire route what it was always intended to be, a genuine cross-town link that takes traffic out of the town centre and opens up the north side for homes and investment. I am absolutely delighted that Minister Browne has approved this funding and I want to acknowledge the work of Louth County Council in building the case for it.”
Phase 2 of the Port Access Northern Cross Route is on track for completion by the end of 2026. Phase 3, which requires crossing the Dublin-Belfast railway line, has been the outstanding challenge for the project.
“The people of Drogheda have waited a long time for this,” Mayor Power added.
“It is a game-changer for the town and I will be doing everything in my power as Mayor along with my councillor colleagues to ensure it is delivered.”
Paula Butterly says investment will support housing growth
Fine Gael TD Paula Butterly welcomed the announcement and said the projects would help unlock housing while ensuring supporting infrastructure keeps pace with population growth.
“I am delighted to see funding confirmed for three important local projects that will make a real difference in Louth. These are exactly the kinds of investments needed to unlock housing and support sustainable growth.”
The Port Access Northern Cross Route Phase 3 is the largest of the projects approved in Louth, representing an investment of more than €20 million.
“The PANCR Phase 3 is the largest of the projects, representing an investment of over €20 million and expected to significantly expand housing capacity in the Drogheda area.”
Deputy Butterly also said the announcement strengthens the case for further transport infrastructure in Drogheda.
“I truly believe this will be transformative. On foot of this announcement the case for the North Drogheda Train Station becomes imperative and I intend to work with everyone to ensure it happens.”
Investment in Drogheda’s future
Senator Alison Comyn said the funding package represented a major investment in the future growth of Drogheda and Ardee.
“For years, we’ve talked about Drogheda’s potential. Today, we’re investing in unlocking it.”
She said the significance of the announcement extends beyond housing delivery.
“This package will unlock the potential for 2,811 homes across South and Mid Louth, but its significance goes far beyond housing. It is about creating the infrastructure needed to support the next phase of growth in our emerging city and neighbouring Ardee.”
Senator Comyn said the completion of Phase 3 of the Port Access Northern Cross Route would improve connectivity and remove barriers to development.
“Phase 3 of the Port Access Northern Cross Route and the railway underbridge are transformative projects. They will improve connectivity, remove barriers to development and help unlock future opportunities around a second railway station, a transport hub, employment, leisure and sporting facilities.”
She added that the announcement demonstrates confidence in the future of the region.
“Drogheda is one of Ireland’s fastest-growing urban centres and our infrastructure must keep pace. These projects will help ensure that growth is planned, connected and sustainable.”
Nationally, 82 projects have been approved under the Housing Infrastructure Investment Fund, with an overall value of approximately €862 million and the potential to unlock up to 200,000 homes.
For Drogheda, the approval of Phase 3 of the Port Access Northern Cross Route marks another significant step towards completing one of the town’s most important infrastructure projects, while opening up land for future housing and development on the north side of the town.
