Green light expected this Autumn for next stage of Drogheda’s St Laurence Gate Plaza project
The long‑awaited redevelopment of the public realm at St. Laurence Gate Plaza is expected to move a significant step forward by Autumn, councillors have been told.
With frustration growing over the pace of progress on the flagship scheme, Cllr. James Byrne raised the issue at the March meeting of the Drogheda Borough District, asking:
“St. Laurence Gate Plaza feels like it is going on forever — is there any end in sight?”
Responding, Brian Coughlan, Senior Executive Officer for Placemaking with Louth County Council, said the local authority is “actively working” to advance the project, which involves extensive engagement with the Office of Public Works and the National Monuments Service.
“It is a complex site, but we have a tender out for archaeological works to be done,” he said, adding that the council intends to bring the scheme to the councillors for Part 8 planning approval by the end of the third quarter this year.
The upgrade — considered one of the most sensitive heritage-led public realm projects in the town — involves improving the plaza area around the 13th‑century St. Laurence’s Gate, enhancing lighting, and realigning the surrounding road layout to create a safer, more attractive public space.
Specialist conservation architects OC+C were appointed by Louth County Council in 2025 to advise on the project.
The redevelopment is expected to form a key part of Drogheda’s wider heritage‑focused regeneration strategy.