Looking ahead to city status in 2040

A snapshot of what the 2040 Development Plan means for Dundalk and the north east was outlined at a public meeting hosted by Dundalk Chamber of Commerce last Monday in the County Museum.

Chamber of Commerce PRO Paddy Malone told the attendance, which included local councillors, Chamber members and the general public, that the Chamber had lobbied for greater emphasis to be put on the M1 corridor of Dundalk, Drogheda and Newry in the plan.

He acknowledged the work carried out by Anthony Abbott King, senior planner Louth County Council, and staff on identifying the M1 corridor as the only way to get the region the recognition it deserved.

Thanks to all their efforts, the original 2040 draft plan was significantly overhauled when published, putting huge emphasis on the M1 Corridor from Drogheda, Dundalk and Newry.

He noted that when the draft regional plan was released in November, briefings for this region were held in Ballymun, Tullamore and Naas. The Chamber then decided to host one in Dundalk in the absence of a briefing in the east.

The draft plan sees the M1 corridor as the main growth area outside Dublin for the region and indeed the country. It places great emphasis on close co-operations with Newry and Northern Ireland and envisages both Drogheda and Dundalk growing to over 50,000 people by 2031, achieving city status.

Cllr Colm Markey who sits on the regional assembly said that councillors from the other counties had questioned how Louth had proved so successful in getting

Paddy Malone said that it was important that the region capitalises on what has been achieved so far.

Projects identified as requiring further emphasis included St Nicholas Quarter; tourist infrastructure in Carlingford Lough; upgrading of road going west from Dundalk; the need for a Regional Hospital possibly serving Newry; the Southern Relief Road in Newry to allow Warrenpoint Port access to the M1.

he thanked all those present and stated that the Chamber was glad that they had a good working relationship with the Council. He invited any businesses present to either join or become more active in the Chamber