Senator Alison Comyn of Fianna Fáil welcomed Minister for Heritage Christopher O’Sullivan to Drogheda for a visit focused on the town’s historical strengths and its vision for future development.
The visit began at Drogheda Museum in Millmount, where the Minister toured the extensive collection charting the town’s rich and layered past. Describing Drogheda as “extraordinary,” he said it was a privilege to explore a place where the story of Ireland can be felt in the buildings, the people, and the culture. He added that the town has huge potential, and he looks forward to supporting the continued preservation and celebration of its heritage.
Senator Comyn expressed her pride in highlighting Drogheda’s cultural assets. She said that Millmount, St. Laurence’s Gate, and the many historic sites across the town are central to local identity and will play an important role in shaping its future.
One of the highlights of the visit was a specially arranged climb to the top of St. Laurence’s Gate, facilitated by the Office of Public Works. Senator Comyn thanked the OPW for making the visit possible and described the view from the top as unforgettable. While reaffirming her long-standing ambition to see the Gate opened to the public, she noted that the OPW has outlined a number of operational challenges. A more realistic solution, she said, might be limited public access on select dates each year, possibly through a lottery-style system similar to Newgrange.
Minister O’Sullivan was also briefed on plans for a new St. Oliver Plunkett Museum in the Tholsel, as well as progress on the Westgate Vision project. With €7 million in Government funding alongside €4 million from Louth County Council, the project will deliver new community spaces, improved walkways, and a revitalised public realm in the town centre.
The Minister described the Westgate Vision as an exciting step forward and said the scale of investment reflects a strong commitment to Drogheda’s future. He noted that heritage-led regeneration can make the town an even more vibrant and attractive place to live, work, and visit.
Senator Comyn said that while vacancy and dereliction remain challenges, both the Council and the Department of Housing are working to address them. She stressed the importance of celebrating and investing in what makes Drogheda unique, adding that its heritage is not just a connection to the past but a foundation for future growth.
Concluding his visit, Minister O’Sullivan said Drogheda has everything it needs to become a leading heritage destination in Ireland.
