A new task force has been established in Drogheda to address the alarming number of vacant and derelict properties both in the town and wider environs, but predominantly in the historic core.

The move Is one of the outcomes from the public meeting on Housing and Dereliction hosted by Development Perspectives on April 25^th 2024 in the Barbican Centre.

According to a statement issued today, the formation of the Drogheda Vacancy & Dereliction (DVD) Task Force was formalised as a multi stakeholder task force made up of representatives from the Education, Sport, Business, Arts, Community and Employment Sectors.

“The DVD Task Force is primarily focussed on the regeneration of the historic core of Drogheda”, the DVD statement says.

“Our immediate agenda is in formulating progressive, positive solutions with the aim of providing a clear vision for the rejuvenation of Drogheda coupled with strategic interventions to halt the continued decline of the town since the turn of the century.   

“Our aim is to work collaboratively across the community, public and private sectors to realise tangible progress in preventing further decline and encouraging positive redevelopment for the many vacant and derelict building in the historic core. 

“Since forming, we have had positive engagements both within the town - with existing active community groups - and without; where a number of Higher Education institutions, seeking to use Drogheda as a case study will be involved in our efforts. Ongoing meetings cover existing and potential actions, engagements, policies and campaigns.

“We fully understand the scale of the challenges we face in tackling the issues of dereliction and vacancy, and the issues Drogheda in particular faces.

“We realise the need for collaborative engagement across all stakeholders; funders, policy makers, and the diverse community on the ground. We are very confident that our multi stakeholder and collaborative approach will deliver tangible results.  

“DVD welcomes participation from both Louth and Meath County Councils (elected representatives and staff) and is open to approaches from other interest groups or individuals aligned with our vision for a better Drogheda. 

Anyone wishing to get involved or find out more about the work of the group, should make contact via email to: domgradwell@gmail.com