This week the Drogheda Cycling Group called for the removal of a locked gate across the path under the Bridge of Peace from Fr. Connolly Way to Mill Lane to allow vulnerable road users to avoid the very busy Georges Street – Trinity Street junction.

This story goes back to September 2016 when Cllr Pio Smith and Deputy Ged Nash proposed a plan to Louth County Council for the rejuvenation of the west end of Drogheda, an important part of which was that a passage be built under The Bridge of Peace to act as a gateway to Drogheda from the West of the town that would act as a safe passage for pedestrians and cyclists.

A lot of water has passed under the Bridge in the meantime, and we are still waiting on a decision from Bord Pleanala to the Council’s planning application for their much vaunted West Gate vision proposal, but the passageway under the bridge was indeed installed as part of the Mill Road apartments development.  Sadly though, the path is blocked half way along and is only accessible to those with a key.

Drogheda Cycling Group Chairperson Noel Hogan said they welcomed the development of the underpass as it allowed cyclists and pedestrians to avoid one of Drogheda’s busiest junctions.

“This would have been beneficial for all and reduced the danger of collisions at what is already a notoriously busy road. This closure is a backwards move which essentially forces motorists and vulnerable road users into an already congested space.”

“The solution is simple – remove the gate and allow pedestrians, cyclists and less able road users to avoid this bottleneck. It is an easy solution which requires no new infrastructure. Given our climate commitments and the unacceptably high levels of carnage on our roads, we need every small win we can get.”

Councillor Ejiro O'Hare Stratton raised the issue at the first Council meeting of 2025 in Dundalk on Monday. “I have been reassured that the Council is aware of the issue and is following it up” she said. “I will continue to monitor this and push for a resolution.”