Drogheda is a cruise ship destination in waiting, says Port chairman

By Olivia Ryan, The Drogheda Independent

Cruise ships could be docking at Drogheda Port if the long term vision for the area is realised, Louth councillors heard at the December meeting.

But plans to develop the port into a viable, and attractive, stopping point for the lucrative cruise ship industry, will take a co-ordinated approach from all stakeholders involved, the meeting was told.

Gerard Deegan, Chairperson of Drogheda Port company presented an outline of the activities, progress and future plans of the port authority.

"We have a vision for Drogheda, and that vision is to deliver a high quality, environmentally sustainable service for the benefit of our customers, the community and the county,” said Mr. Deegan.

He added: “We like to feel we have big ambitions,” adding that Drogheda Port is the fifth largest port in the country overall, and is the oldest indigenous company in the town, and a local employer since 1790.

The meeting heard turnover at the port has increased from €3million in 2015 to €12 million a decade later. The number of employees at the port has also increased in recent years from 19 to 40 staff in 2025.

In the last year alone, there were 350 ships accessing the port, with 1.1 million tonnes. Soon, this will increase to 370 ships, and 1.3 million tonnes throughput, said Mr. Deegan.

The future plan for Drogheda Port is the relocation away from its existing facility, which would create a “major regeneration opportunity,” in the town, he added.

It would also be essential to increase capacity at the port, and accommodate longer ships which are being built.

"We have to be able to facilitate larger ships with greater tonnage,” said Mr. Deegan.

He added that they don’t currently have any space for warehousing, adding that instead they are supporting customers who are trying to build warehouses outside the area.

The port company are planning to launch a masterplan in 2026, he explained.

The meeting heard that the Port Access Northern Cross Route (PANCR) is vital to the company’s plans for growth, as it will open up access to the motorway, and reduce traffic congestion from the additional trucks docking at Drogheda Port.

One of the most exciting aspects of the masterplan is identifying Drogheda as a cruise location, said Mr. Deegan.

He explained that they have been in talks with Fáilte Ireland on the proposals, and the wider benefits this could bring to the county, and the entire region.

"I’m not talking about the Queen Mary, I’m talking about smaller cruise ships with a high spend clientele.”

But, he warned: “The port company can't do this alone, it will involve every sector of society working together to make this happen.”

The need to “build out” river walls at the harbour is essential, he said, as there is a high cost every year for dredging.

Cllr. Maeve Yore said there was “real interest” in the idea of Drogheda Port becoming a cruise destination.

"There is huge potential for tourism in the town, and in the county,” said Cllr. Yore.

She asked what needs to be done by other sectors to make this a reality.

Cllr. Anne Marie Ford added: “I really welcome the idea of cruise ships coming into Drogheda. The town has a lot to offer, the history, and the heritage.”

I don’t think we are making the most of the heritage in Drogheda

She said there was a comparison with York in England, where a river runs through it.

"We can make the very most of that. I don’t think we are making the most of the heritage in Drogheda. We are definitely making strides, but if there was a joined up plan for Drogheda, of visuals, if you arrive there on a cruise ship, of where you can go.”

Cllr. Declan Power welcomed the links developed with the community, and said it was widely appreciated that Drogheda Port contribute to the National Services Day every year.

Cllr. John Reilly asked what the maximum tonnage which can be accommodated at the port, saying “It’s like Dundalk, it is tidal. Can you take 5,000 tonnes?”

He added: “Ports of the future need to be able to take bigger ships.”

The port chairman replied that “everyone needs to be involved” in helping Drogheda become a cruise ship destination.

"The port can ensure the ships can come, but we need the chamber of commerce, the local businesses, and the tour operators” to lead the tourist offering for potential cruise ship visitors.

He said that, at the moment, smaller ships using the port can carry up to 3,000 tonnes.

Cllr. Robbie Nash told the meeting that it was hoped Dundalk Port would be brought back into local ownership next year, and the expertise of Drogheda port would be helpful in developing the facility in Dundalk.

He asked if Drogheda Port felt the plans to develop Bremore Port were an advantage.

The port’s chairman responded, saying: “Under my watch, Drogheda Port is not going anywhere. My plan, and the board’s plan, is to develop Drogheda.”

He said the emphasis on Bremore was on regional development, adding: “Bremore and Drogheda Port can co-exist. The type of vessels that would be coming into Bremore would never come into Drogheda, they are too big.”

Cllr. Michelle Hall welcomed plans to develop the pontoon, saying it was “really important for us to be able to go back and use the river as a resource.”

She asked if Drogheda Port will help develop part of the PANCR, supporting Louth County Council in moving this scheme forward.