Facelift ahead of Fleadh for derelict Westgate House
WESTGATE House, one of the most recognisable but delapidated buildings at the entrance to Drogheda, is to be given a facelift in advance of the Fleadh Cheoil this summer it has been revealed.
The Minister for Public Expenditure Pascal Donohue TD, has confirmed that further discussions have taken place between the OPW and Louth County Council to redecorate the facade of the building.
Local TD Fergus O’Dowd said: ‘ The Minister also confirmed the future use of the property is currently being considered in line with OPW stated policy and upon completion of this review the issue of the full restoration of the building will be addressed.
‘After querying the Chief Executive of Louth County Council on the timeline of the works, as the Fleadh Cheoil is just around the corner, I was informed the facade will be addressed in advance of the much anticipated event later this year,’ he added.
‘ This building has been a constant eye sore and was initially to be addressed last year.’
The Deputy went on to say that he is ‘anxiously awaiting’ the regeneration plan for Narrow West Street which will be published shortly.
‘I will be insisting on vast improvements in the area over the next 12 months,’ he said. ‘Drogheda is entering a crucial stage in it’s development. The Fleadh Cheoil will show the country what a fantastic town Drogheda is to live, work and socialise in.’
The house occupies a key location for those entering the town from Trinity Street and is thought to have been built around 1790.
The building, which was previously run as a bed and breakfast, closed down decades ago and has become increasingly run down in recent years.