Latest news with #DroghedaTidyTowns
Irish Independent
5 days ago
- General
- Irish Independent
140-year-old Drogheda boundary stones to be restored in major heritage project
The historic landmarks were erected by the then Corporation in 1896 as the town boundary line expanded to include new areas such as Mell, Ballsgrove, Beamore, Rathmullen, and Newfoundwell. There were a total of 13 stones originally, but nine are known to have survived, and some of them have been worn down by time, neglect, and overrun with vegetation. The restoration operation is to be carried out by Drogheda Tidy Towns, thanks to a grant of €25,000 from the Heritage Council of Ireland. Each stone stands 43 inches in height, is 18 inches wide, and seven inches thick. They have a pointed top along with an engraved inscription with the mayor's name at the time, plus symbols of the municipal authority. The whole project was conceived and researched by a member of the Tidy Towns committee, Alan Lynch, whose great-grandfather Peter Lynch was mayor during the Drogheda boundary expansion from 1896 to 1897. Drogheda Tidy Towns said Alan did a huge amount of work on the stones, studying historical records and ordnance survey maps to locate each one of them. Alan said: "I am pleased that my research has contributed to the development of a conservation programme for these historic stones. As the great-grandson of Mayor Peter Lynch, this project holds personal meaning for me, and I am glad to see these important markers being preserved." The Tidy Towns Committee is now holding a public information night so the general public can learn all about the boundary stones. This will be held on Thursday, August 21, at 7pm, as part of National Heritage Week in the Louth Local Development Office at the Haymarket, John Street, Drogheda. The chairperson of Drogheda Tidy Towns, Gerry Leydon, said: "This funding allows us to safeguard an important piece of Drogheda's past. The upcoming information evening is a great opportunity for the community to learn more about these remarkable markers and to see how we plan to ensure they endure for future generations."
Irish Independent
6 days ago
- Irish Independent
Latest case of illegal dumping slammed as Louth County Council targets litter blackspots with CCTV
James Byrne said it is "disgraceful behavior" and those responsible need to be found and punished. There was all sorts of rubbish dumped late last week, and local people and the council are once again left to sort the mess out. Cllr Byrne said, "The dumping behind Bryanstown shops was yet another shocking incident of dumping by individuals who simply don't care for their community or the environment around them. Their blatant disregard is taking up scarce council resources, and these people must be held to account." He revealed that in July, litter wardens completed 140 investigations in Co. Louth in response to dumping reported by members of the public. Fourteen fixed penalty notices were issued where evidence was found under the Litter Pollution Act 1997—a success rate of just 10%. Cllr Byrne isn't blaming the litter wardens; he said the problem is the dumpers are getting far cleverer and are not leaving any evidence that will trace back to them. Louth County Council secured one conviction for illegal dumping in recent times with a fine by the court on the defendants of €300 plus €500 in expenses, even though the maximum fine for the offence is €1,900. He stated, "It is getting more difficult in my opinion for the litter wardens, as people who engage in littering and dumping are more careful about leaving any evidence behind linking them to these despicable acts." Now, the County Council, in a new crackdown on illegal dumpers, is to try out CCTV cameras at known blackspots across Drogheda, Dundalk, and Ardee. Cllr Byrne said he would urge the council officials to roll the cameras out in multiple locations. He added, "This is the best way to deter this type of illegal activity—and those who do it need to know they will be caught and financially punished." The Baltray road has also been regularly hit with illegal dumping, along with parts of Termonfeckin from time to time. Local councillors are determined to stop illegal dumpers and undermine the wonderful work the Drogheda Tidy Towns group is doing.
