Where has funding gone to clean up the Buttergate?

Dear Sir,

WHERE has the €100,000 gone that Drogheda Borough Council allocated in 2006 under the Village and Urban Renewal Scheme for works on the Buttergate?

Back in 2006 this money was allocated for the Buttergate, and DBC had plans to clear undergrowth, point the walls with lime mortar where necessary, and to install low level lighting. But none of this was ever done – where has the money gone? We need some answers from Louth CEO Joan Martin.

It could be used now to restore the Buttergate somewhat ahead of the Fleadh in August 2018.

Defenders of Drogheda’s Heritage have been busy clearing the Buttergate area at weekends, removing undergrowth and cutting saplings that may be undermining the historic structure, Drogheda’s last remaining Medieval town gate, dating from the 13th century and built by the Normans.

Our group is taking extreme care in carrying out this clearance work, and ensuring that the gate itself is not interfered with in any way, and the work is being done sensitively.

We are reclaiming the Buttergate for the use of the people of Drogheda as well as visitors to the area. It could be a major tourist attraction and would add to the long list of historic sites in the town.

I am looking for answers as to where this money was used and why the Buttergate has been neglected for the past 60 years.

The last works carried out on Buttergate by Drogheda Corporation was back in 1958 when they knocked half of it as it was in danger of collapsing. Where does responsibility lie? Nobody is taking responsibility for the Buttergate and it’s totally neglected – that’s why our group is taking this action. We are looking for answers.