Council to look at the prospect of Gate lights

Louth County Council (LCC) has agreed to engage with the Office of Public Works (OPW) to explore the possibility of floodlighting St Laurence’s Gate.

The issue was raised by Councillor Oliver Tully at the May meeting of Drogheda Municipal District and is a timely one given next week’s historic meeting to decided whether or not the gate should be permanently closed to traffic.

Speaking at the meeting, Cllr Tully said the issue was brought home to him during the St Patrick’s Day celebrations when the Gate was lit up in green.

He said the floodlighting of the monument provided a perfect backdrop to the town and highlighted the amazing architectural features of the Gate.

‘When you floodlight these monuments it shows their true architectural worth,’ he said. ‘ Look at the Mary McAleese bridge and the Boyne Viaduct, it proves the benefits of floodlighting these landmarks,’ he said.

Supporting the motion, Councillor Kevin Callan said it was ‘well timed’ as the council move towards closing the Gate. ‘It is the jewel in our town,’ he said. Also lending his support to the motion, Councillor Richie Culhane said floodlighting the Gate on St Patrick’s Day highlighted the beauty of its structure.