€1bn Drogheda Port site ‘an eyesore and environmental carbuncle’

By Olivia Ryan, The Drogheda Independent

The removal of tonnes of waste at Drogheda Port, ahead of a planned €1billion redevelopment of the area by Premier Periclase, should be monitored by Louth County Council’s environment section, according to one local councillor.

The site, which was described at the monthly meeting of Drogheda Borough District as “an eyesore and environmental carbuncle,” is earmarked as the location for a major new data centre by Premier Periclase, with partners Gyorgy and Meridiam. The plans are set to transform the site on the north bank of the River Boyne beside Drogheda Port into a state-of-the art industrial campus for large energy users.

Louth County Council has approved the project, which could see an investment of up to €1bn over the next ten years to transform the site.

Drogheda councillor, Pio Smith, said he welcomed the news that Premier Periclase had received planning permission for a new data centre.

"This site has been an eyesore and environmental carbuncle for decades and the news that significant works will be carried out to clean up the site is long overdue. Having said that I do have concerns about the tonnes of waste material that is stored onsite and how this material will be removed. I have raised this issue with Louth County Council and have requested that the environmental section monitor the waste removal operations.”

He added that residents living along the Newfoundwell Road “have over the years reported their belief that light white dust, originating from this site covered their cars, houses, bushes and grass.”

"Workers at Drogheda Port have also experienced a similar incident where a fine white dust covered cars in the parking area. This resulted in discolouration of doors and car bonnets.”

He explained that Premier Periclase have stated the dust is non hazardous, but he raised concerns about the potential impact of breathing in the dust like material.

“There is tonnes of this waste to be removed, so it will be extremely important that the method and process of removal is closely monitored. That's why I want to see the council environmental section playing a role on this issue."