New rail links for Drogheda north are ‘common sense’ says former Mayor

By Olivia Ryan, The Drogheda Independent

Rail links to the north of Drogheda could be on track as Louth County Council confirm discussions with Irish Rail about a vital new bridge on the Dublin – Belfast line.

Former Mayor of Drogheda, Cllr. Paddy McQuillan, queried progress being made on the project at the monthly meeting of Louth County Council.

Councillors heard that talks with Irish Rail on the provision of a new bridge on the main rail line between Dublin and Belfast, as part of the Port Access/Northern Cross Route in Drogheda have begun, but progress is dependent on funding secured from the department.

A more “detailed design” would have to be looked at, the meeting was told, during Phase 3 of the project.

Cllr. Michelle Hall, the current Mayor of Drogheda, also called for an update on cycle lanes across the route, and highlighted that signposts are not facing the right way.

Director of Service, David Jones, said that meetings were ongoing with the developer, and noted the issue with signposts.

Speaking after the meeting, Cllr. McQuillan told the Drogheda Independent: “The PANCR is a vital piece of infrastructure that is vital for the development of Drogheda as we move forward. Phase three of this development consists of dealing with the obstacle of the Dublin to Belfast railway line. I am delighted to hear that discussions are taking place with Louth County Council and Irish Rail. This obstacle was overcome in Donabate and I firmly believe that we will see a similar positive outcome in Drogheda.”

He added: “ There are two main themes of the PANCR. Firstly it opens lands north of Drogheda for development. Secondly it alleviates traffic congestion in the centre of Drogheda. With this development we will see a huge population growth in Drogheda, especially to the north. It would unreasonable not to have a train stop on the north of the town. We don’t have to have a maned station, but we will need a platform, ticket machines and parking spaces. Its common sense”