Louth County Council Welcomes €12.65 Million Regeneration Funding for Drogheda and Dundalk
Louth County Council has welcomed the announcement of €12.65 million in funding for three major regeneration projects in County Louth under the Towns and Cities Regeneration Investment Fund (TCRIF), representing one of the largest single regeneration investments secured by the county in recent years.
The TCRIF funding will be matched by a further €6 million investment by Louth County Council, unlocking a total investment package of more than €18.5 million across the county.
Announced by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne TD, the funding includes €7.5 million for the Westgate 2040 Project in Drogheda, €5 million for the next phase of the St Nicholas Quarter Regeneration Project in Dundalk, and €150,000 for a feasibility study to support the future regeneration of Park Street and Francis Street in Dundalk.
Welcoming the announcement, Cllr Dolores Minogue, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, said: “This is a significant investment for County Louth and a strong endorsement of the ambitious regeneration projects being advanced across Drogheda and Dundalk.
“These projects will help bring underused areas back into active use, strengthen town centres, support local communities and create new opportunities for economic and social development. I welcome the Government's commitment and look forward to seeing these projects delivered in the years ahead.”
The largest allocation awarded to Louth is €7.5 million for the Westgate 2040 Project, a key component of the long-term vision for Drogheda's development. The project will create high-quality public spaces and improve connections between the town centre, the River Boyne and surrounding neighbourhoods.
Louth County Council will contribute a further €5.5 million, bringing the total investment in the project to €13 million. This will allow the first two character areas identified in the Westgate plan to progress to construction: George’s Square and the area adjacent to the old medieval wall, extending towards the northern bank of the River Boyne.
The investment will also support significant improvements to the carriageway on the adjoining R132. The development will focus on enhancing public spaces and connectivity, supporting town-centre living and making better use of Drogheda’s rich historic heritage.
Cllr Declan Power, Mayor of the Borough District of Drogheda, said: “This funding announcement is another important milestone in the continued regeneration of Drogheda and a strong vote of confidence in the town's future.
“Building on recent investments, including the restoration of West Gate House and the work being delivered through the Living Cities Initiative, the Westgate project will help unlock the potential of a key area of the town centre. It will enhance the public realm, celebrate Drogheda's unique heritage and create new opportunities for community, cultural and commercial activity.”
In Dundalk, €5 million has been allocated to the next phase of the St Nicholas Quarter Regeneration Project.
The funding will support elements of Phase 2 of the project, including the development of a new community and cultural hub on lands north of St Nicholas Church, a new pedestrian link between Bridge Street and Linenhall Street, and a new civic public space for community use and cultural activities.
Phase 2 of the St Nicholas Quarter Regeneration Project is subject to the statutory Part 8 planning process. The proposals are expected to go on public display in the coming weeks, with construction anticipated to commence towards the end of 2027.
Welcoming the funding, Cllr Andrea McKevitt, Cathaoirleach of Dundalk Municipal District, said: “This investment builds on the significant progress already made through Phase 1 of the St Nicholas Quarter public realm works, completed earlier this year on Bridge Street and Linenhall Street, and will enable the next phase of regeneration to move forward.
“The project will deliver new community, cultural and public spaces while creating stronger links through the quarter and opening up new opportunities for local activity and engagement.
“I also welcome the allocation for the Park Street and Francis Street feasibility study. This work is an important first step in planning the future regeneration of another key area of Dundalk and will help shape future investment in the town centre.”
The €150,000 feasibility study for Park Street and Francis Street will allow Louth County Council to assess street conditions, movement patterns, land use, vacancy and dereliction. The study will also explore opportunities to improve accessibility, permeability and the public realm, while taking account of heritage and conservation requirements.
David Jones, Director of Services, Louth County Council, said: “Securing €12.65 million under this funding programme, with additional match funding from Louth County Council, reflects the strength of the regeneration proposals developed by the Council and our ambition for the future of our towns.
“Through strategic investment, partnership and long-term planning, we are working to create stronger, more sustainable town centres that support economic growth, community wellbeing and quality of life.
“We look forward to progressing these projects and delivering lasting benefits for the people of County Louth.”