Calls for West Street to be pedestrianised immediately
CALLS have been made to close off Narrow West St and West Street to traffic to help bring business back into the centre of town.
Cllr James Byrne has asked Louth County Council to consider closing off the stretch to vehicular traffic ‘for the foreseeable future to help revitalise the local economy.’
He feels a pedestrianised West St is sustainable and ‘can quickly become the norm if we make such a switch before traffic levels return to pre- Covid norms. We have done this before on a much larger scale at the very successful Fleadh Cheoils. It doesn’t have to mean large scale disruption to deliveries either.’
He says there are many cafe, restaurant type businesses on the street who will be operating under restricted capacity when allowed to reopen.
‘As part of Ireland’s Roadmap to Recovery it’s hoped that cafes and restaurants could start trading again from June 29 with hotels to follow from July 20. However, they will be required to operate with strict social distancing measures. In my view, pedestrianisation would enable such businesses to utilise outside space to maximise their seating capacity.
‘It would also support social distancing among the general public, a key component of the Government’s strategy in containing coronavirus, bring back the ‘spirit of the Fleadh’ and give our much needed town centre a boost as the town tries to recover economically and socially. I hope the Council give this matter serious consideration quickly. The future of our town centre is at stake,’ he added.
Drogheda Green Party representative David Rossiter has launched a petition calling on Louth
County Council to pedestrianise West Street.
‘With streets across Europe currently being prepared for life after lockdown, now is time for the people of Drogheda to reclaim West Street. We now have a golden opportunity to reimagine how a more people-centered town can function, and how our town can operate in a greener way as we seek to build back better after the lockdown,’ he stated.
‘If we do this we can encourage cafés and pubs to begin outdoor, socially distant seating plans and alongside this, increase the number of market stall sellers. This will provide a much needed economic boost to local sellers. It would also be useful to use the space efficiently and encourage more active modes of transport like cycling. With the extra space on West Street, we can add more cycle racks for people to park their bikes.’