D Hotel closure ‘hammer blow’ to city status efforts

Drogheda City Status Group (DCSG) has expressed its concern at the news that the d Hotel situated in the centre of historical Drogheda has been taken out of use for visitors and tourists to Drogheda.

Despite being in the heart of the Boyne Valley, with a buzzing nightlife, huge heritage sites like Newgrange, Oldbridge, Mellifont and Monasterboice, blue flag beaches and much more on our doorstep, Drogheda has historically been overlooked by tourism bodies.

Undeterred, volunteer groups, individuals, and local businesses had worked tirelessly over the years to raise the profile of Drogheda as a historic tourist destination. Their efforts were rewarded with the recent recognition by Fáilte Ireland of Drogheda as a key tourism destination town. The removal of the largest hotel in its historic centre is a huge setback to these aspirations and a huge blow to those who have worked so hard to bring visitors here.

“We think it’s important to note that DCSG celebrates diversity and welcomes those who come to our city – whether to visit, or to make a new life for themselves. Drogheda has a huge heart, and has gone above and beyond in welcoming a huge number of people seeking refuge, particularly since the invasion of Ukraine by Russia. Every single one of these people has the potential to contribute to and enrich the culture of Drogheda. It’s not acceptable for vulnerable people – whether they were born here or not – to be homeless or sleeping rough. However, there are many more sensible available alternatives around Drogheda to cater for the same number of people, but in smaller groups,” says DCSG chairperson Anna McKenna.

“There are also wider considerations, like the unprecedented population growth in the Greater Drogheda area which already is putting huge pressure on State and other services, along with years of neglect. The issue of accommodation in Ireland needs a more considered, community-led approach, free from fear and hate. Drogheda deserves ambitious, thoughtful leadership which can help tackle this issue on the ground, and will help the wider Drogheda area to flourish and thrive”.

At a recent DCSG meeting with Minister Darragh O’Brien, the group stressed the need for appropriate administration for the Drogheda Metropolitan Area to be put in place. Drogheda City Status Group calls for the next review of “Ireland 2040” to formalise the Drogheda Metropolitan Area to include Drogheda, South Louth and East Meath and set out actions to prepare for Ireland’s next city.

“Drogheda City Status Group calls on everyone who wants the best for Drogheda to get involved in achieving this aim. The Joint (Louth-Meath) Local Area Plan is currently being prepared and needs to anticipate and reflect the needs arising from the phenomenal population growth across what is best described as the Drogheda Metropolitan Area. Have your say and make your submission here: consult.drogheda.ie,” concluded Ms McKenna.

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