Town needs more B&Bs and tour buses avoid centre of town

DROGHEDA on the Boyne Tourism is facing a funding headache.

Speaking at last week’s town meeting in the Westcourt Hotel, Liam Reilly from the group said they could do a lot more to promote the region - if the funding was there.

‘While FAS pay the staff wages and pay some of our bills, there is a shortfall. Failte Ireland provide a grant of €6,000 but DOBT are responsible for heating, lighting, broadband, water charges, telephone charges, postage, ink for printers, stationary etc, and I myself work here on a voluntary basis, being paid expenses only.

‘We do have a scheme Friends of Drogheda on the Boyne Tourism which costs 40 per year to join and this helps greatly but at present only 41 businesses and individuals have responded,’ he stated.

‘We do as it says on the tin. We provide information to visitors .We also update on a weekly basis events happening in Drogheda and its hinterland and a weekly Gig Guide on music in the pubs and clubs.’

He says the region is full of visitor attractions but there are issues.

‘ There is a general shortage in the registered B&B sector and don’t have year round facilities for camping and caravans in the town and these are sectors that are on the increase as we saw from the Fleadh. There has been a big increase in Air B&B, but because they are nor registered with Failte Ireland the Tourist Office can’t deal with them.

Tour buses avoid Drogheda as the traffic on West Street and the lack of parking for coaches , is a barrier to day visitors.

‘Also none of the hotels have a large function/ conference room to cater for 500 or more, which could attract conferences and themed weekends such as the Country Music weekends that are proving so popular.’

But he advises, ‘If we can host the Fleadh we can host a lot more ‘.