The Mayor of Drogheda, Councillor Paddy Mc Quillan, says that we need to be thinking big when it comes to developing the Millmount Quarter as a national heritage focal point in Drogheda for tourists to visit.

With Drogheda being marketed by Fáilte Ireland as a ‘Destination Heritage Town’, Mayor Mc Quillan wants to ensure that the important historic area covering Millmount and the Buttergate have a comprehensive plan involving a single investment and development proposal.

“Millmount is a landmark at the heart of our ancient town. The area needs to be developed to create a centre for our tourist industry.  A holistic approach is needed to transform the whole area that includes the Buttergate. 

Mayor Mc Quillan believes with adequate funding the whole area could be transformed. “With the right plan, in conjunction with the Old Drogheda Society, political support from all parties and independents and with Urban Renewal Development Funds, we could, in liaison with the Department for heritage, create a vibrant national heritage site.  

“This can include the Millmount monument, the Handball Alley where plans for rejuvenation are already in place, the Museum, a much needed café/restaurant and the Buttergate.

“A holistic approach to the whole area is needed to ensure space and amenities for locals and tourists to spend time soaking up our unique heritage spanning almost 1000 years in terms of visible monuments.  The site cuts across millennia in terms of its ancient and mythological importance in Ireland.

Mayor Mc Quillan stated that he will liaise between the Old Drogheda Society and the Executive and Planning Sections of Louth County Council to explore all possibilities to create a National Monument for Drogheda that can be explored and enjoyed for generations to come.

“If we are recognised nationally and internationally as a Destination Heritage Town in Ireland we need to be creative, think big and invest in our important and unique Heritage”