Plan to shape a ‘thriving, sustainable future' for Drogheda
As part of the consultation process, Mayor Hall made her own detailed submission, calling for Drogheda's development to be 'guided by climate resilience, conflict preparedness, strategic urban planning, and a clear commitment to new school infrastructure to meet the needs of a rapidly growing population.'
She said that Drogheda's future 'depends on the decisions we make now' and explained that her submission 'focused on ensuring we future-proof our town — not just in terms of housing and transport, but by addressing the bigger picture: how we adapt to climate change, prepare for global uncertainties, and build strong, connected communities,'
Mayor Hall also praised 'the many local residents, community groups, and organisations who took the time to submit their ideas and concerns.'
'I want to sincerely thank the people of Drogheda who engaged so passionately in this process. The quality and range of submissions reflect how much people care about the future of our town. Local insight and lived experience are vital to getting this plan right.'
She added that several of the issues raised — including better community facilities, public transport infrastructure, and education provision — were acknowledged in the Chief Executive's report and that many may be addressed by the Development Management team and the Town Regeneration Office.
Mayor Hall concluded by reiterating her call to central government, for Drogheda to be given the powers and recognition it deserves:
'As Ireland's largest town, Drogheda cannot continue to operate with outdated governance structures. I call on this FF/FG government to meet our needs for real investment, real autonomy, and a real plan that reflects our ambition. As councillors, we have to focus on the new County Development Plan next year, while ensuring that the voice of people in Drogheda, through their submissions are heard and reflected, until the statutory process for JUAP begins."
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Irish Independent
6 days ago
- Irish Independent
Plan to shape a ‘thriving, sustainable future' for Drogheda
'It is a step towards shaping a thriving, sustainable future for the town,' said the Mayor. As part of the consultation process, Mayor Hall made her own detailed submission, calling for Drogheda's development to be 'guided by climate resilience, conflict preparedness, strategic urban planning, and a clear commitment to new school infrastructure to meet the needs of a rapidly growing population.' She said that Drogheda's future 'depends on the decisions we make now' and explained that her submission 'focused on ensuring we future-proof our town — not just in terms of housing and transport, but by addressing the bigger picture: how we adapt to climate change, prepare for global uncertainties, and build strong, connected communities,' Mayor Hall also praised 'the many local residents, community groups, and organisations who took the time to submit their ideas and concerns.' 'I want to sincerely thank the people of Drogheda who engaged so passionately in this process. The quality and range of submissions reflect how much people care about the future of our town. Local insight and lived experience are vital to getting this plan right.' She added that several of the issues raised — including better community facilities, public transport infrastructure, and education provision — were acknowledged in the Chief Executive's report and that many may be addressed by the Development Management team and the Town Regeneration Office. Mayor Hall concluded by reiterating her call to central government, for Drogheda to be given the powers and recognition it deserves: 'As Ireland's largest town, Drogheda cannot continue to operate with outdated governance structures. I call on this FF/FG government to meet our needs for real investment, real autonomy, and a real plan that reflects our ambition. As councillors, we have to focus on the new County Development Plan next year, while ensuring that the voice of people in Drogheda, through their submissions are heard and reflected, until the statutory process for JUAP begins."
Irish Independent
06-08-2025
- Irish Independent
No sign of new secondary school in Newtownmountkennedy
Last month Tánaiste Simon Harris wrote to Education Minister Helen McEntee after it was revealed a long-mooted plan to build the new facility in north Wicklow won't break ground anytime soon. Land was zoned for community and education purposes as part of the local area plan for the town as far back as 2002, with the expectation it would be used to build a secondary school for the growing population in the wider area, but there has been no movement from the department since then. Currently, students are forced to travel to neighbouring towns such as Greystones, Kilcoole, and Wicklow, for second level education, a situation that both Cllr Paul O'Brien and Cllr Stephen Stokes described as 'unsustainable' when they tabled a motion in the council chamber in October 2024, calling for better educational facilities in the wider region. Following a parliamentary question from Wicklow Sinn Féin TD John Brady, the Education Minister said new schools are only established in areas of demographic growth. 'The resources available for school infrastructure have to be prioritised to meet the needs of areas of significant population increase so as to ensure that every child has a school place.' To address the growing need for places in the wider area a large-scale project is currently ongoing at Colaiste Chraobh Abhainn in Kilcoole that will increase capacity to over 1,000 pupils plus 4 Special Educational Need units. The development is currently at stage 3 which means the project has been approved to proceed to tender. Meanwhile Greystones Community College was established in 2020 to act as a regional solution. Permanent school accommodation, with capacity for over 1,000 pupils, is currently under construction. Minister McEntee indicated the department will engage with an increased number of post primary schools across the county as part of planning for the new school year in September. 'This engagement will include the request for admissions data to help identify duplicate applications and determine the need for additional places, if any, in the area.' 'It is expected that, as in previous years, the data sharing will provide confidence that there is sufficient school place availability in most areas. 'However, if a shortfall of places is identified in an area, the department will work with schools to put the necessary solutions in place.' It's understood the department will continue to liaise with Wicklow County Council in respect of their County Development Plan and associated Local Area Plans with a view to identifying any potential long-term accommodation requirements across school planning areas. Recent figures obtained by Social Democrats TD in Wicklow Jennifer Whitmore revealed the number of students enrolled in all secondary and primary schools in the catchment of Greystones, Kilcoole, Delgany, Newcastle, Newtownmountkennedy, Roundwood and Kilmacanogue. The figures show a significant increase of 32pc between the current sixth year group of the four local secondary schools (440 students) and the current sixth class group of the 14 primary schools in their catchment (582 students). The gap in places available for those students, which was obtained separately by the Newtown Secondary School campaign group campaign group by liaising directly with the four secondary schools. For the enrolment in September 2025 these four schools have 553 places available, but the sixth-class total for all schools in their catchment area is 582 students. This leaves a potential 29 students without places for secondary school in the area. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
Extra.ie
04-08-2025
- Extra.ie
Public backs Bertie as the best Fianna Fáil pick for president
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