Long term plan needed for Narrow West Street
Louth County Council has no plans to altar its current arrangement for the former O’Reilly Brothers property in Narrow West Street, it has been revealed.
In a notice of motion, Mayor Pio Smith asked the council to outline the future plan for the property.In response, the council said a large portion of the property is currently occupied by St Vincent de Paul for us in the selling of donated goods to raise finance for it’s charitable work.
‘ The council has no plans to alter this arrangement and expects to use the remainder of the property as storage or office accommodation when the refurbishment of the Drogheda Civic Offices get underway,’ it added.
Speaking at the meeting, Cllr Smith said: ‘ That’s fair enough but I think Narrow West Street is dying on its feet. We’re all hoping we’ll be included in the Living City initiative plan. I think the council needs to have more longterm plans for the building and how it’s going to develop in the future.’
He went on to say that as far back as 2007, a report said the town will never win a Tidy Towns competition as long as Narrow West Street and the old derelict Mill across the river remain as they are.
Supporting the motion Councillor Frank Godfrey said something needs to be done to provide quality shops on Narrow West Street.
The motion was also supported by Councillor Kevin Callan who said there have been a number of quick, short term projects in this area of town, such as the clean up of Old Abbey Lane, but he agreed a more medium to long term plan is needed.
Councillor Oliver Tully also supported the motion and agreed that an overall plan was needed for Narrow West Street.
Senior Engineer Pat Finn said the council have taken action under the dangerous structures act in Drogheda and this included buildings in Narrow West Street.
Cllr Smith asked whether the council could ask Anthony Abbott King to come to the next meeting. ‘He was working on plans for this area and gave a presentation on it,’ he said. ‘I would like to see him come and address the meeting. I would also like to see the outcomes of the enforcement orders served.’