Busy Louth playground car park ‘not for all day parking’

By Olivia Ryan, The Drogheda Independent

Parking facilities beside one of Drogheda’s most popular playgrounds should not be used for all day parking, the monthly meeting of Drogheda Borough District heard this week.

The growing number of families enjoying St. Dominic’s Park and walkers using the Boyne Greenway is putting pressure on spaces in the adjacent car park, councillors were told.

Cllr. James Byrne submitted a motion asking Louth County Council to “provide additional parking facilities at St. Dominic’s Park for those wishing to access the Boyne Greenway, separate to the planned upgrade to the existing playground and parking.”

In a written response, Louth County Council’s Acting Director of Operations and Environment, David Hanratty, said there were “no plans within the Road Works programme 2025 for additional parking facilities at St. Dominic’s Park.”

However, he said the request would be taken into consideration in the Road Works programme three-year plan for 2026-2028.

Cllr. Byne said that while he appreciated the response there was additional parking needed at this location. He said there were challenges around long stay parking, and said solutions to this were needed.

Cllr. Pio Smith supported the motion, saying this was “a very busy playground.” He said the issue around people parking there long term, and not to use the playground, was “something we need to find a way to get around.”

"We need to put our heads together and find a way to ensure the car park is specifically for people using the park.”

Cllr. Paddy McQuillan said more parking facilities were needed in this area “especially with the population increase in the surrounding areas including the Rathmullen Road.”

He said the council’s response, which referred to 2026-2028, was “a long way away.”

Mayor Michelle Hall added: “I think we need more of a masterplan for St. Dominic’s Park. It is actually the entrance to the Boyne Greenway as well so it plays such an important role in Drogheda.”

She suggested a park and ride facility could be an option, or a change in bylaws to introduce pay parking.

“I know that I sometimes use that car park for walking along the Boyne, so it isn’t just for the park.”

She added: “But it should not be used for work purposes, there are plenty of other car parks that are only €1 to park all day so that would encourage people to use them.”