“City status is our destination, we have to be ready” said Mayor of Drogheda Paddy McQuillan yesterday at the official opening of Drogheda’s new Civic Offices.

This, and the unanimous adoption by Borough District Councillors of a motion calling for Drogheda to return to the status it had prior to the Local Government Reform Act 2014 can only be seen as a massive boost for the long running campaign to have the town recognised as a city with its own city Council.

McQuillan, used the opportunity of the official opening of the revamped Council Offices to make just that point

“The offices are modern and vibrant, skilfully blending the old with the new, they are a credit to the designers, the contractor and Louth County Council.

“Not only are these civic offices fit for the biggest town in Ireland, they are offices fit for a city.

“City status is coming, it is undeniable. As Drogheda grows and develops, it is inevitable that we will become a city. We need to be ready.

“To our Chamber of Commerce, I ask you to speak with your ever growing number of members. They need to be ready.

“To our educational and healthcare institutions, our NGO's, and all our charities and services. You need to be ready.

“The Northern Cross route is a game changer for our town. When completed it will transform the fabric of Drogheda and increase our population like never before.

“We need to think collectively with our colleagues in East Meath and plan for the future. We need to be ready.

“Citizens of Drogheda, as Mayor, I am asking every person, If you are thinking Drogheda THINK CITY, if you are writing Drogheda WRITE CITY, if you are talking Drogheda TALK CITY

“City status is our destination, we have to be ready.”