The Drogheda City Status Group attended the official opening of the first phase of the Port Access Northern Cross Route today and, whilst they welcomed the new road as something on which they have been campaigning for years, they believe it will take many years to deliver in its entirety.
“We are hearing now that the road may be built in four phases, which potentially means it will not be completed for many years to come. And that’s just not good enough” said spokesperson Anna McKenna, adding that “it is indicative of how Drogheda has been treated for years.”
The group, which says the Government has failed Drogheda and East Meath, is calling for the completion of the full PANCR which they said will enhance the attractiveness of Drogheda Port, facilitate further local housing and employment opportunities, and alleviate the dangers, pollution and noise associated with high volumes of HGVs travelling to and from the port through the centre of Drogheda.
They are also seeking Development of a Railway Station in Drogheda North adjacent to the planned 7,000 homes being built and to provide convenient access to DIFE, Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, future workplaces, etc.
Another of their demands is the provision of an “Eastlink” bridge over the Boyne to facilitate traffic between East Meath and South Louth rather than causing congestion in central Drogheda.
“Such a bridge – connected to the PANCR route (and in turn the M1) on the north side and linked to the M1 on the south side would create a new, much-needed orbital link for Greater Drogheda” they said.
“Amidst all the fanfare and photo calls at the official opening of Phase 1 of the Port Access Northern Cross Route today, it should not be forgotten that this is half a road, and only a fraction of what the emerging city needs in terms of investment” said spokesperson Anna McKenna.
“We are getting lots of houses, and some infrastructure, but while the housing developments are flying up, we still have no indication of meaningful investment in local job creation, education and sustainability.”
“While we welcome today’s opening of a critical piece of infrastructure that we campaigned long and hard for, this is only a portion of the PANCR and without the rest of it Drogheda will still suffer from the traffic congestion and pollution that now clogs its centre to critical levels.”
“At this moment in time, that section of the PANCR is a road to nowhere. It will facilitate easier access to the M1 motorway for residents and owners of new homes along its route, and what it signals to us is that no meaningful investment has been made in Drogheda’s future as a city where people can live and work locally with a good quality of life.”
“We want the completion of the rest of the PANCR in a short time frame. Drogheda is choked up with traffic. We campaigned for years to get this road built, but half a road doesn’t solve any problems.”
“Remember that until a couple of years ago, some politicians were telling us to stop talking about PANCR because it would never happen!”
“There are many other things that the Government can do if it is serious about helping Drogheda to become a great city. Today’s PANCR opening is only a drop in the ocean. Much more is needed,” said Anna.
