Residents of Mount St. Oliver, Congress Avenue, Marian Park, and Cherrybrook Drive have voiced serious concerns over a planned development of a four storey block of apartments, terraced houses and duplexes on a 1.135-hectare site between Congress Avenue and Cherrybrook Drive at the top of the Watery Hill steps.

The developer, Maybeck Ltd., is seeking permission from Louth County Council to build 71 residential units, a mix of apartments, duplexes and terrace houses, on the site of the old Roadstone plant overlooking the Donore Road with primary access via Congress Avenue and secondary access via Cherrybrook Drive.

The proposed development will comprise of 71 residential units and includes:

Block A – two four-storey apartment block (3,006 sqm -31 units), of 12 one-bed and 19 two-bed units;

Block B - 3 storey duplex units (1,475 sqm - 14 units) of seven one-bed units and 7 three-bed units.

Block C - 3- to 4-storey apartment block (1,740 sqm - 23 units), of 17 one-bed units and six two-bed.

Block D - a terrace of three 1-bed, single-storey houses. 

Also included is a 34 sqm community facility, 37 car parking spaces including accessible parking, 16, secure bicycle parking spaces, public open space totalling 1,721 sqm, communal open space totalling 836 sqm, private garden /amenity areas, all associated hard and soft landscaping, play areas, boundary treatments, roads, footpaths, cycle lanes, plant service spaces, and bin storage; 1 ESB sub-station, and all other ancillary works above and below ground.

However, the neighbours from Mount St. Oliver, Congress Avenue, Marian Park, and Cherrybrook Drive say they will stand together to oppose the development.

“We will not allow our heritage, our homes, and our vulnerable residents to be sacrificed at the altar of hasty development” a spokesperson said.

“The proposed high-density complex by Maybeck Limited risks uprooting the historical, cultural, and social foundation that generations have worked so hard to build.

“Our beloved Congress Avenue neighborhood is a living tapestry of Drogheda’s heritage, showcased by iconic treasures like Millmount Tower and the cherished Watery Hill Steps—landmarks that connect us not only to each other, but to our shared past. Yet these very touchstones of our identity now stand in peril.

“The Watery Hill Steps aren’t just a path; they are a lifeline for our community” said one resident. They tell the story of our town and losing them would be like tearing a page from our collective history.”

The Millmount Mound—one of Drogheda’s most cherished landmarks, is already showing signs of wear, and this new development will only increase the strain.

“It’s heartbreaking to see such a symbol of our past crumbling while more pressure is being added to the area,” said another resident. This development will only exacerbate the damage.”

In a statement the residents say that they are making a stand not against progress, but against reckless progress.

“Our vision for a better Drogheda includes safeguarding its unique character and honouring its history, not exploiting it. The current proposal tramples over more than 30 local, national, and international guidelines, including the Planning and Development Act 2000 and the Louth County Development Plan 2021–2027.

“It disregards everything from Zoning Objective A1—which protects existing residential communities—to EU Directive 92/43/EEC, aimed at preserving biodiversity and vital green corridors.

“We are shocked at the blatant disregard for regulations designed to protect communities like ours. From the lack of adequate green spaces to the overshadowing of homes, this development fails at every level.”

Our stance is clear. We call on the Louth County Council to reject this proposal outright, to preserve the Watery Hill Steps, and to protect Millmount Mound from further harm. We demand that any future development respect the cultural, historical, and structural integrity of our neighborhood—rather than exploit it.

“Our community deserves better. We are not against progress, but this project is neither sustainable nor respectful of the laws meant to guide responsible development. One-bedroom apartment complexes built for profit alone do nothing for families.”

“This is our clarion call: Stand with us in defending what makes Drogheda vibrant and enduring. Our community’s history, our families, and our cherished landmarks are not for sale.”