Drogheda’s Westgate House and the adjoining former Drogheda Youth Development building are set for a major transformation after €7 million in funding was secured under the Government’s THRIVE (Town Centre First Heritage Revival Scheme).
The project will deliver extensive refurbishment, conservation, and new extensions at the protected West Street site, bringing it back into active use as a cultural and community hub with café facilities.
Key elements of the development include:
- External works along West Street and Fr. Connolly Way, including new pedestrian access.
- Refurbishment and conservation works to 62 West Street (Westgate House) and the former Youth Development building.
- A change of use to cultural/community use with café space.
- A new single-storey extension to the rear of the Youth Development building with a landscaped roof podium.
- A new two-storey extension to the rear of Westgate House, linking to annexes.
Senator Alison Comyn, who has long campaigned for heritage-led regeneration in Drogheda, described the announcement as a landmark day:
“This is a hugely proud moment for me and for Drogheda. From the outset of my campaign I promised to fight for meaningful regeneration funding, and I have kept the pressure on to deliver it. Our local councillors, especially Cllrs Pio Smith and James Byrne, have worked so hard on this and I am delighted that Ministers James Browne, Christopher O’Sullivan and John Cummins have recognised Drogheda’s potential and put their faith in our town by backing this ambitious project.”
The €7 million funding comes through Strand 2 of the THRIVE programme, targeting the renovation and adaptive reuse of vacant or derelict heritage buildings in public ownership.
Drogheda is one of 26 town centres nationwide to benefit, with funding awarded under Ireland’s two European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Regional Programmes.
Senator Comyn added: “This €7 million is not the end goal, but the foundation for even greater renewal. I will continue working to secure more investment and ensure that Drogheda finally gets the recognition and opportunities it deserves, including the RDF funding for the Westgate Vision. Today, though, we celebrate a big step forward for our town’s future.”
The development, which sits within the Old Abbey Lane Architectural Conservation Area and beside Drogheda’s medieval town walls, is expected to boost heritage preservation, business activity, cultural life, and community pride in the heart of the town.
