The morale of the good people of Drogheda has taken many knocks over the past few years from what seems like a constant stream of bad news.

Lately though, a group of community based activists going by the name of Drogheda 4 All, have been trying to stem the tide of despair and yesterday they launched the second stage of their “Dereliction is Vandalism” campaign.

When Drogheda 4 All asked businesses, shops, workspaces, community groups, civic groups and the diverse communities of Drogheda to EMBRACE Drogheda by displaying and sharing a poster to show their support for our town they discovered they had tapped into a well of goodwill.

“Community spirit is alive and well in Drogheda!” said a delighted Drogheda 4 All spokesperson. 

“Despite the scourge of dereliction, the cost of living crisis, and the lack of a properly resourced and funded Borough Council, so many traders,  businesses and shops in our town centre not only EMBRACE Drogheda, but they are demanding action!

“What was most interesting though were the observations made to us, as we made our way round the town centre. 

“Most traders would like to be able to keep the town clean, and expressed a desire to keep their shop fronts clean and tidy. They were really appreciative of direct actions like Tidy Towns Drogheda in this regard. 

“They all agreed that the state of dereliction of shop fronts was more than just an eyesore, but was a threat to the very wellbeing of the town.

“Traders talked of how the town would thrive if people could access it, and better still if the many empty upper floors could be repurposed or just renovated into living quarters.

“There was open disgust at the lack of consideration showed to this town by central government and full support for the return of our own Borough Council that could administer to the town and raise funds etc.

“Everyone we met supported our campaign, and we're delighted to have a chance to take action and stand in unity with all who live here, visit here, and most of all share this little space on the river Boyne.

“Everyone, including shoppers, passers-by and workers all agreed that the solution to this crisis lay in a unified approach between businesses, communities and all civic organisations.”

“Stage three of this campaign will follow shortly and will allow everyone to call for an end to the talking and instead take action to EMBRACE our town.”

Anyone who wants a poster can contact Drogheda 4 All via their social media accounts: Facebook , X , and Instagram.