BID MANAGER TREVOR SEEKING BEST SOLUTION
WHILST the health and safety of the citizens of the town is on paramount importance, the ones with the most at stake if West Street is pedestriansed – even on a trial basis – are the traders.
Already suffering from the strict lockdown conditions, the last thing anyone wants is to sound the death knell to those already struggling.
The man balancing the fine line between the needs of the traders and consumers is Trevor Connolly, who as Chief Executive of the Drogheda Business Incentive District (BID), is acting as intermediary between the traders and the local authorities to ensure the best outcome.
“I walked the town all last week with local authority officials, and spoke to as many businessowners as possible, to get a real sense of what woud be best for everyone,” he told the Drogheda Independent. “The one-way system is not really working, but it is down to good will and I think further signage will be rolled out, and they will look at widening some of the streets, so it really is a work in progress.”
He agrees that Phase 3 of the plan to ease restrictions will create pinch-points, and the problem of queueing will become an issue.
“We have very wide pavements in West Street, which would lend itself well to outside tables and chairs for shops, but the ultimate goal is to create confidence for people to come into the town centre,” he explains. “Concerns have been raised with certain measures that have been implemented, and I must say the Local Authorities are quite flexible, and keen to support local business and to create an effective business plan.”
In other ways, LoveDrogheda BID continues its ongoing work to improve what Drogheda has to offer.
“We are endeavouring to encourage as many businesses as possible to consider installing flowering displays on their premises,” he adds.
“As we are acutely aware of the financial constraints on so many businesses we have decided to make available, this year only, a limited number of flower boxes and baskets at NO COST to those who may wish to participate. A limited number of floral boxes / baskets will be made available on a first come first served basis to interested businesses subject to some necessary conditions. We are particularly keen to identify businesses that may be able to make available a water supply at the front of their premises for the purpose of irrigating the displays’
If you can help or if you wish to participate contact any of the promoters for further details.
Trevor Connelly, CEO, Love Drogheda, BID, 087 240 2767 Sarah Taafe, The Punt Bar Bolton St, 087 928 4262
Niall Kierans, Kierans Deli West St. 087 230 9807