Newly elected Mayor of Drogheda, Councillor Declan Power, has pledged to focus on community, regeneration, health and civic pride during his year in office.
Speaking after being elected the 426th Mayor of Drogheda, Cllr Power described the role as “an incredible honour” and reflected on the journey that brought him from his native Clare to becoming first citizen of the town he now proudly calls home.
Born in Limerick and raised in Killaloe, Co Clare, Cllr Power first came to Drogheda in 1996 and moved to the area permanently at the age of 26. Today he lives in Clogherhead with his wife Ciara and their family.
“Drogheda has given me so much,” he said.
“It’s where I bought my first home. This is where I met my lovely wife Ciara. Where our children were born and cared for in the Lourdes and where they got their second level education.”
The Fine Gael councillor paid tribute to outgoing Mayor Michelle Hall, praising the way she carried out the role over the past year.
He also spoke about the importance of community, a theme that featured strongly throughout his inaugural address.
“Throughout the Borough District of Drogheda I’ve seen first-hand what community spirit really means. You get involved. You lend a hand. You show up.”
Cllr Power said he wants to be a Mayor for every part of the Borough District, including Drogheda town, surrounding villages and rural communities.
“Our Borough is made up of two parts, Drogheda Urban and Drogheda Rural, and both are equally important,” he said.
“This role is about balance. It’s about making sure no part of our Borough feels overlooked.”
Setting out his priorities for the year ahead, the new Mayor said his vision is straightforward.
“My vision is simple: A cleaner, healthier, prosperous united Borough District of Drogheda.”
Among his key goals are improving the appearance of the town, tackling dereliction and vacancy, encouraging investment in both urban and rural communities and ensuring young people play a greater role in civic life.
He welcomed Drogheda’s recent improvement in the national IBAL litter rankings and called for continued efforts to make the town cleaner and more attractive.
Cllr Power also pledged support for regeneration projects and said local authorities should not hesitate to use powers such as compulsory purchase orders where necessary to bring neglected properties back into use.
“I want continued investment across both our town and rural communities and to see more building owners and businesses avail of the Living Cities initiative among other funding sources and help target derelict and vacant buildings,” he said.
The Mayor also highlighted the importance of celebrating Drogheda’s rich history and heritage, including local figures such as Thomas McLaughlin, founder of the ESB, and renowned economist T.K. Whitaker.
Drawing on his sporting background through the GAA and his involvement in community organisations, he said he also hopes to promote health, fitness and wellbeing throughout the borough.
One initiative he would like to develop is a Peace and Hope Weekend focused on music, storytelling and resilience.
Cllr Power praised the work of Louth County Council staff and pointed to progress being made in housing delivery, infrastructure projects, town centre regeneration and economic development.
He also welcomed the launch of the new Louth Tourism Strategy and said Drogheda’s location on the Dublin-Belfast corridor positions it strongly for future growth.
“The story of Drogheda is changing,” he said.
“Yes, we have challenges but there is real confidence now. We are seeing investment, opportunity and renewal, and I believe the best is still ahead of us.”
The new Mayor also took time to acknowledge the people who have supported him throughout his life and career.
He paid tribute to family members who have passed away, saying: “Today, I also remember those no longer with us especially my father Seanie, and parents in law Tommy and Nancy and many others who were a big influence on me and have sadly passed on.”
He thanked his mother Margaret, brothers John and Mark, and sister Valerie for keeping him grounded over the years, while also recognising the support of his own family.
Cllr Power said he was particularly proud of his children, noting that his daughter Éabha has just completed her second year at Maynooth University, while his son Senan had just finished his Irish exam as part of the Leaving Certificate.
He also took the opportunity to wish all local students sitting Junior and Leaving Certificate exams the very best in the weeks ahead.
One of the warmest moments of the speech came when he thanked his wife Ciara, who will serve as Lady Mayoress during his term.
Quoting the old saying that “Behind every great man, is a great woman”, he joked: “This is all her fault!”
He added: “To my lovely wife Ciara, the Lady Mayoress. Thank you for your support, your patience, (Though running thin) and your strength.
“This wouldn’t be possible without you. You keep the home life steady and allow me to do what I do and I’m so grateful to have you by my side. Thank you also for reminding me to put the bins out this morning!”
Concluding his address, Cllr Power promised to serve the office with “energy, passion and determination” and reiterated the theme that will guide his mayoralty.
From the Dublin Road to the North Road, from Clogherhead to Tullyallen and everywhere in between, he said his goal is clear: “A cleaner, healthier, prosperous and united Borough District of Drogheda.”
Concluding his address, Cllr Power promised to serve the office with “energy, passion and determination” and called for a united approach to shaping the future of the borough.
“A united chamber. A united community. A united Borough District of Drogheda.”
He added: “A cleaner, healthier, prosperous and united Borough District of Drogheda.”
