Shame that Drogheda has been overlooked in plan
Dear Sir,
THE draft National Planning Framework published by the Department of Local Government which aims to set the agenda for planning and investment nationwide between now and 2040 focuses on delivering investment and growth to Dublin and the other four cities in Ireland, Cork, Limerick, Galway and Waterford.
It plans to funnel investment to them and envisages the latter growing by at least 50% between now and 2040.
Drogheda and its hinterland, with a population of 80,000 people, far exceeds that of Waterford and it is grossly unfair that Drogheda has been overlooked yet again by Fine Gael and the Independents as a place to invest and do business. Despite running to 152 pages, this report does not mention Drogheda once!
Both I and our local Fianna Fail organisation made submissions highlighting Drogheda’s strategic location close to Dublin, the airport and the M1, our young, well-educated population, and the availability of land for development locally. I know that local civic organisations did likewise.
We made a compelling case for treating Drogheda as a key driver of growth on the east coast in the years ahead. This was all ignored. Despite having two FG TDs in Louth, Drogheda clearly has no clout with the government on the decisions that matter.
It’s vitally important we don’t take this lying down. Submissions can be made on the draft plan by noon on 3rd November by emailing npf@ housing.gov.ie, by writing to
NPF Submissions, Forward Planning Section, Department of Housing, Planning,
Community and Local Government,
Custom House, Dublin D01 W6X0 or online at http://npf.ie/share-yourviews/
We must mobilise and defend our town, otherwise we face a generation of stagnation. Yours, Anthony Moore, Fianna Fail South Louth / East Meath PRO.