Councillor Michelle Hall has welcomed Louth County Council’s three year Capital Programme which includes a large investment of funds for projects in Drogheda including a linear park, playgrounds, tourism projects and Drogheda Library's move to the Dominican Church.

Chief Executive, Joan Martin presented Louth County Council’s budget which was adopted by a majority of county councillors at November’s council meeting in Dundalk, in addition to the €177 million Capital Programme 2024-2026.

“This is a very ambitious programme for Drogheda which will help transform the town in so many positive ways” Councillor Hall said.

“The amount of money being spent on social and affordable housing alone will reduce the housing waiting list significantly and it should have a positive trickle-down effect on the rental market which is under huge pressure at the moment due to the lack of available housing.

“We have all seen how well the Port Access Route is being developed, which is due to open in Q2 2024, and the number of housing schemes underway because of it.

“The Chief Executive has stated in her annual budget report that she is in early discussions about funding Phase 2, budgeted at €25 million from Ballymakenny Road to Aston Village. Considering the traffic chaos in these two areas, it’s crucial that we continue the PANCR.

“I’ve raised concerns recently about the need for the Northern Environs Linear Park, a public amenity, to be funded and developed alongside new housing estates and this has been allocated €1.5m, €500,000 of which is to be spent in 2024.

€1m will be spent on playgrounds in County Louth including Drogheda and Termonfeckin and there are plans to spend €7m through grants and levies in moving Drogheda Library to the recently acquired Dominican Church.

“Successful tourism projects like the wonderful Lú Festival of Light will continue to be funded in a bid to bring tourism to the region.

“I’m disappointed that new (street) lighting wasn’t approved in existing areas but Ms. Martin has agreed to review this. The Newfoundwell Road and Burton Hall, Tullyallen in particular need lighting and I will continue to advocate on behalf the residents in these areas,“ Cllr Hall concluded.