Old Drogheda Society and Close the Gate committee should be part of team to open town gate to the public
THE Old Drogheda Society and the Close the Gate committee should be brought in as part of a working group to get St Laurence’s Gate open to the public on a more regular basis.
The Gate is opened up at certain times - including the recent Fleadh - but not enough, says Cllr Paddy McQuillan.
He held a meeting at the Gate last Friday, where he made renewed calls for action in terms of funding to get the necessary works carried out.
‘I know there are problems, but the Gate has been closed for two years now and it’s still not open. We need to get rid of the railings and the signs to make it look better for visitors,’ he stated.
He wants to see a more inclusive approach taken to get the Gate open. ‘ The Close the Gate people got this closed off to traffic and their drive and enthusiasm should be used to help with the project,’ he remarked. He also said that the Old Drogheda Society have done wonders with Millmount and also need to be brought in.
Independent Councillor Kevin Callan has said that structural issues in the south tower at Laurence’s Gate are one of the main causes in the delay in having the gate opened permanently.
Cllr Callan said it was ‘pointless’ having public meetings about opening the gate when people have been working on this project for the last number of years and ‘work is underway to have the gate open as a visitor attraction as soon as possible. The assertion that nothing has happened is not accurate and this is going to be a substantial restoration project.’
He added, ‘a further complication is that if works begin, we could see the gate covered in scaffolding for the next few years. All efforts are underway but this is going to take time and won’t be open next week or the week after.’