Redefiningnorth endofDundalk
Callsforfundingfornorth endofDundalkmade
THE potential to ‘redefine the north end of Dundalk’ was highlighted in the Seanad this week as calls for funding emerged once again.
The Bridge Street and Linenhall Street area was controversially not included in plans that saw the northern end of Clanbrassil Street and Church Street upgraded in the last year.
Despite cross party political calls for the area to be made a priority for funding, there has, so far, been no specific award for Bridge Street or Linenhall.
Senator John McGahon raised the issue in the Seanad last week, highlighting calls to allocate Urban Regeneration Funding for the Bridge Street and Linenhall Street areas.
Speaking in the chamber, he said the potential for this area included: ‘ Residential units above shop fronts, enticing younger people to come in and live above these units again, unlocking pedestrian space, and creating a thriving community space, right in the heart of Dundalk.’
He also pointed to the need to change the streetscape to make it more accessible for elderly people, and people with disabilities, and for vacant and derelict buildings to be replaced by new retail units that young entrepreneurs can access.’
Senator McGahon has spoken publicly in recent weeks about the area, saying that approving Urban Regeneration Funding for Bridge Street/Linenhall Street is vital and should be strongly considered by the Department of Housing and Local Government.
‘ The aim of the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) URDF is to support more compact and sustainable
development, as set out in Project Ireland 2040, through the regeneration and rejuvenation of Irelands large towns.’
He added: ‘Louth County Council submitted additional documentation in May 2020 to support their original application and it is extremely strong. The vision for the area is to radically transform the perception of the area while building on it rich history and to create a new streetscape that will be more attractive to businesses, residents, investors and tourists.
In response to Senator McGahon’s debate, Minister Minister of State with responsibility for Local Government and Planning Peter Burke said: I listened to the case made by Senator McGahon regarding the Bridge Street and Linenhall
areas of Dundalkand I assure him that his representations have been well made and they will be listened to in my Department. It is important that we unlock the potential of our large towns and cities, and that is exactly what URDF funding is for. It is the cornerstone to enable our citizens and our investors to realise their potential and to ensure we have a strong, mixed use regenerated area in our towns and cities.
The Bridge Street/Linenhall Street application makes a strong case for Dundalk and I will bring that message back to my Department. It is important that we advocate for genuine projects, such as this one, which are able to stand on their own merits. I believe that is what this project does.