Work is set to begin on the long awaited restoration of West Gate House in Drogheda, with €7 million secured for the project.
The historic building, located beside the Bridge of Peace, forms a key part of the wider West Gate Vision project, which aims to revitalise the west side of the town along the River Boyne and into areas such as Dominic Street, Wellington Quay and Narrow West Street.
Mayor Michelle Hall confirmed that a tender has now been awarded for initial works, including archaeological investigations, surveys and structural safeguarding of the site.
An application for ministerial consent was submitted last December to the National Monuments Service, with approval now granted to allow the first phase of works to proceed. A site meeting was also held in January 2026 to review the approach.
Mayor Hall said: “A consultant has been appointed to act as the design and construction representative for the project. Shaffrey Architects have been appointed to lead the design details of this complex heritage project. Preliminary safeguarding and survey work is already underway.”
Funding for the project has been secured under the Town Centre First Heritage Revival Scheme, with Louth County Council successfully obtaining support from both the Government and the EU through the European Regional Development Fund Southern, Eastern and Midland Regional Programme 2021 to 2027.
Plans and drawings for West Gate House are now available to view on the Louth County Council website.
Councillor Pio Smith, who has supported the project, also welcomed progress on the site.
He said: “Louth County Council is advancing through the early phases needed to prepare the site for full design development and construction, and engagement is ongoing with the Southern Regional Assembly on the next phases of the project.”
The project aims to transform the currently vacant building into a cultural and community space, creating a new focal point at the entrance to Drogheda town centre.
