‘Completely out of step with reality’ — Drogheda Mayor criticises no public seating decision on PANCR
Calls to install public seating along Drogheda’s increasingly busy Port Access Northern Cross Route (PANCR) have been ruled out for now, despite concerns that the lack of rest points is limiting accessibility for walkers.
The issue was raised at the latest meeting of Drogheda Borough District, where Mayor Cllr. Michelle Hall tabled a motion proposing that Louth County Council introduce a series of “innovative, sustainable and multi-design” benches along the route.
Cllr. Hall also suggested the seating could serve a commemorative purpose, dedicated to “past council members, living and deceased, who promoted and planned for this significant road infrastructure.” She said this would recognise those involved in delivering a key project that has enabled housing growth while also supporting safer walking and cycling.
However, council officials confirmed that there are currently no plans to provide public seating along the route.
In a written response to the motion, David Jones, Director of Major Capital Projects and Infrastructure Delivery, said: “While there are no plans at present to provide public seating along the Port Access Northern Cross Route, the matter of commemorating past council members can be considered in the context of the pending memorial policy.”
He noted that the policy is due to be developed by the Community and Placemaking Strategic Policy Committee as part of its 2026 work programme.
The response drew a sharp reaction from the Mayor, who said she was “disappointed” that the provision of seating was not under consideration—particularly in light of the council’s recently launched Age Friendly strategy.
“That strategy includes making active travel routes more accessible to encourage people to come out and walk more, especially older people,” she said. “So we do have an obligation as a council to provide public seating.”
Cllr. Hall challenged the council’s classification of the PANCR as primarily a carriageway rather than a walking route, arguing that it does not reflect how the space is actually being used by the public.
“The reality in that area is completely different,” she said. “This is a very popular route with walkers.”
She pointed out that in the absence of a completed linear park in the area—and with no clear timeline for its delivery—the PANCR has effectively become a busy area for walkers.
“We don’t have the linear park and we don’t have a timeline for it, so to me seating somewhere along those routes is essential,” she said.
Drawing comparisons with other ambitious local infrastructure proposals, Cllr. Hall added: “If we can look at providing a €20 million skywalk in Drogheda, why can’t we provide public seating along the PANCR, which is actually a requirement. I don’t feel it is too much to ask.”
The motion received support from Cllr. Declan Power, who echoed concerns about the growing use of the route by the public.
“This area is full every evening with people out walking and jogging, and others walking their dog,” he said. “I’ve seen people playing cricket or rounders there as well.”
Cllr. Power emphasised that for many residents—particularly those living with medical conditions such as COPD—accessible infrastructure is vital. “The prescription for them is to get out and walk,” he said. “But they can only get so far, and they need to be able to sit down.”