Council missed the boat on reclaiming Drogheda Port
THE Mayor of Drogheda wants Drogheda port to be reclaimed by the council and used to boost tourism in the town.
However, at the recent meeting of local councillors, Cllr Frank Godfrey was told the ship had sailed on taking it back from Drogheda Port and developing it for leisure use.
“What I’d really like to see is Louth County Council reclaiming the area from the old Sound Shop on the North Quay to Donor’s Green, presently being used by the Port Company for on-street car parking and for port business and commerce,” he said referring to his motion in November’s meeting.
“Louth County Council should reclaim this area and make it available for the use of the people of Drogheda for river walks and other recreational and tourism facilities.”
He said that since the port was moved to Tom Roe’s Point, a feasibility study is long-overdue of use of the northside of the river for tourism use.
“The plan should be seriously looked at, and I know it won’t be easy as there are still ships coming in, but when you see how well it was used for the Fleadh, it could really put Drogheda on the map for concerts, just like the Point in Dublin,” said Cllr Godfrey.
“There could be another hotel, craft shops and cafes, and with so many buildings in a dilapidated state and lying idle, some investment in the area would be welcomed.”
He also pointed out that parking in the Port Authority area is €1.30, dearer than Louth County Council rates – and it should be uniform.
However, other councillors rejected the idea as the ‘ horse had bolted’ on that option.
“We are powerless to do anything now, as the CEO (Joan Martin) rejected any suggestion of that,” explained Cllr Pio Smith.
“We all supported that Drogheda Port came in as an administrative unit, and we have no power to change that now.”
Cllr Tommy Byrne agreed that there was an annual revenue of €250,000 in parking fees that could be going to council coffers.
In July 2015, LCC Ceo Ms Martin indicated that the local authority taking control of Drogheda Port - by way of shareholding transfer, was her preferred option - rather than taking over the direct-running of the port.
The change was provided for under the Harbour’s Bill 2015, after members were told she was not in favour of taking on the responsibilities and liabilities of Drogheda Port.
Once again, Cllr Godfrey was reminded by Director of Services for Housing and Community Paddy Donnelly that the port is not in the ownership of the council, but appreciated greatly the port authority’s co-operation during the recent Fleadh.