The Defenders of Drogheda’s Heritage Group is to step up its campaign over the neglect of the town’s built heritage with a public rally in Drogheda and also a protest outside the Dail when it reopens for business in September.

A public meeting in the Darcy Hotel organised by the group was a big success according to the man that organised it, Frank Godfrey, who has been mayor of Drogheda four times but did not get elected at last month’s local elections.

Frank told Drogheda Life that he was very happy with both the attendance at the meeting and the speakers who included local historian and former Chairman of the Old Drogheda Society John Mc Cullen and another former Mayor, Michael O’Dowd.

In a statement issued after the meeting the group said: “We call on the people of Drogheda and the surrounding district to unite and fight for the preservation of our heritage.

“The shameful neglect of Drogheda's historic sites and buildings has been ongoing for decades. Over the past fifty years the Louth County Council along with the planners have failed the people of Drogheda on their watch and has consistently failed to implement protective measures for our town's heritage.

“We demand government action and investment and accountability from the Louth County Council.”

“Our town is facing several critical issues” These included the dangerous derelict buildings in Narrow West Street which he said must be restored to their former glory.

The group expressed great concern over the neglect of historic sites in Drogheda including the old town walls, the Tholsel, St. Laurence’s Gate, Donor’s Green and the Buttergate.

Speaking at the meeting another former Mayor of the town, Michael O'Dowd, said that in his opinion both Louth County Council and the developers were each part of the problem and also part of the solution.

“However, it should not only be up to them and the community also has to have a major say on the future of our town" he said.

"Louth County Council at present is not fit for purpose to tackle an issue like this and needs resources and personnel such as architects to manage the dereliction in the town and its explosive growth on the Northside.”