Drogheda Tidy Towns members Gerry Leydon and Eamonn Clinton with local residents Alison O’Grady and Terry Ryan and Niamh Lowney and Abdul Beliz from Centra, Hardman’s Garden (sponsors). Pictures Andy Spearman.
A little gem of Drogheda’s built heritage, Lourdes Square, has been tidied up in recent weeks thanks to the combined efforts of local residents and Drogheda Tidy Towns.
The community has worked together to restore a number of the square’s distinctive features, including its marble nameplate, historic lamp posts and the protective screen around the statue of Our Lady of Lourdes.
Tucked away behind a row of trees and an archway opposite the Centra store in Hardman’s Gardens, Lourdes Square is home to 22 houses, made up of 12 single-storey and 10 two-storey homes.
The houses were built in 1948 by Tredagh Building Company for a total cost of £22,506, six shillings and three pence.
According to an invoice signed by Matthew Segrave on behalf of Tredagh, the ten two-storey houses cost £1,162 each, while the 12 single-storey homes cost £869 each.
Restoring historic features
In recent weeks, residents and Drogheda Tidy Towns have worked together on a number of improvements aimed at preserving the character of the square.
Three priorities were identified, including replacing the marble nameplate, cleaning and painting the historic lamp posts and installing a new Perspex protective cover for the statue of Our Lady of Lourdes.
Drogheda Tidy Towns sought quotations for the work and approached John Walsh of Centra, Hardman’s Gardens, for financial support.
He agreed to fund the restoration work.
The statue of Our Lady of Lourdes has long been a focal point of the square, standing in an alcove above the archway.
It was removed for repainting in 2019, but when it was returned, the protective screen was not reinstated.
Jim Coyle Engineering carried out the engineering work, while Caffrey Monumental made a new marble nameplate.
The original marble sign, dating from the late 1940s, had fallen and shattered during a severe storm. A local neighbour kept the broken pieces, although one small section is missing.
Residents determined to keep improving the area
Residents say the square has also faced challenges in recent years, including anti-social behaviour, public drinking, drug use and break-ins.
Residents’ Committee member Terry Ryan said those living there were determined to continue improving the area.
We have learned how to make the best of the situation, he said.
We’re doing the best we can and will continue with the improvement work, but we need a greater Garda presence to help protect the area
Fellow committee member Alison O’Grady said the improvements were encouraging more residents to get involved.
It’s having a domino effect, she said.
It’s all about being proud of where you live.”
She also echoed calls for a greater Garda presence in the area.
A piece of Drogheda history
Another distinctive feature of Lourdes Square is a pair of cast iron lamp posts dating from 1885 and 1887.
According to the supplied information, they were made by Thomas Grendons Foundry and Engineering Works, which was established in 1835 and based on the South Quays.
At its height, the company employed between 600 and 700 workers producing a wide range of ironwork.
Eamonn Clinton, who drove the restoration work forward on behalf of Drogheda Tidy Towns, said the project showed what could be achieved through local cooperation.
“This collaboration demonstrated what can be achieved when residents, community organisations, local businesses and skilled tradespeople work together to protect local heritage,” he said.
“Drogheda Tidy Towns was delighted to be able to support this project and see the wonderful end result.
“It is a great example of a community working together, and especially good to have John and the local Centra store, a sister company of SuperValu, the sponsors the National Tidy Towns competition, involved in funding this work.”
