New campaign begins to raise awareness about Ship Street
OWNERS of vacant properties on Ship Street should be contacted with a view to a restoration programme for the ancient area.
That was the view of many who attended a special meeting in the d Hotel, hosted by Cllr Frank Godfrey.
It was revealed that many of the homes were declared unfit for habitation in the 1960s, people moving to newer areas like Marian Park.
In recent years, many of the properties have been sold, while there are residents in a number of homes which have been immaculately restored.
There are long term plans for a flood wall at the bottom of the street.
There is a belief that at least 30 new homes could be created in the heart of Drogheda if a council-led project could be kickstarted.
Brendan Matthews feels that it would be a shame on the town if the street was allowed to simply die.
‘If they are wiped, they will never be rebuilt,’ he fears.
Cllr Godfrey spoke of the great community that exists on the street and the fact that it woild make an ideal tourist attraction.
‘ This is only a start because Ship Street is a heritage gem. It is a snapshot of times past. The council need to fix the roads and we should have a sign to mark the street,’ he added. ‘ The cause of this street is not lost.’
Locals say they are to begin a campaign to get the restoration back on the agenda and would welcome any help.