THRIVE West Gate House Update: March 2026

Work on the regeneration of West Gate House and the former Drogheda Youth Development (DYD) Building continues to progress well following the allocation of €7 million in funding under the THRIVE programme.

Louth County Council is advancing through the early phases needed to prepare the site for full design development and construction, and engagement is ongoing with the Southern Regional Assembly on the next phases of the project.

Notable updates include:

• A tender has been awarded for archaeological investigations, surveys, and structural safeguarding work.
• An application for Ministerial Consent was lodged in December 2025 with the National Monuments Service to allow safeguarding and investigative works to proceed. A site meeting took place in January 2026 to review the proposed approach. Ministerial Consent has now been approved, allowing these safeguarding works to commence in March.
• A consultant has been appointed to act as the design and construction representative for the project.
• Shaffrey Architects have been appointed to lead the detailed design of this complex heritage project. Preliminary safeguarding and survey work is already underway.

Irish Walled Towns Network AGM

In February, Drogheda hosted the Irish Walled Towns Network (IWTN) Annual General Meeting at the Civic Offices, Fair Street.

The IWTN brings together local authorities and community groups dedicated to protecting and enhancing Ireland’s historic walled towns.

Delegates were welcomed by the Mayor of Drogheda, Cllr Michelle Hall, and enjoyed a series of presentations - including an update on West Gate House from the THRIVE project team. The event concluded with a visit to St Laurence’s Gate.

Drawings and Documentation

All Part 8 drawings and documentation for the West Gate House and DYD Building refurbishment and extension are available at this link.