10-06-2025
- Politics
- Irish Independent
New Mayor in Louth highlights ‘emerging vision of a thriving Drogheda'
She was elected unopposed at the Annual General Meeting of Drogheda Borough District on Monday evening, and in her inaugural speech spoke of the 'absolute pleasure and privilege to be elected Mayor of Drogheda for the second time.'
She thanked all of her council colleagues ' for trusting me with this position,' adding: 'I hope we can all work together, all parties and none yet again to ensure the voice of Drogheda is heard loud and clear.'
"Being Mayor of Drogheda is one of the must highly regarded and busiest roles for an elected representative in Ireland, never mind in County Louth. Only one person a year in the world becomes Mayor of Drogheda, not many people can say that.'
She added that the Mayoralty 'belongs to the people of Drogheda, from the river to the sea, from Clogherhead to Tullyallen.'
She praised the 'joy of meeting the great mix of people and cultures who live in Drogheda.'
"Many of us would say that being a councillor in Drogheda is one of the most challenging, even more so than over the last few years. Dereliction remains a blight on West Street, social deprivation has increased and people are suffering due to the housing crisis.'
She paid tribute to the officers of local government for their commitment, and highlighted some of the projects that have been completed since her first term as Mayor, including the Port Access Route, the new Drogheda Civic Offices, the Westgate Vision project which is moving through the planning process, the Digital Hub and the plans to transform Westgate House.
'We are busy building homes, forever homes for many people who have been on the social housing list for twelve years.'
Mayor Hall welcomed the 'emerging vision of a thriving Drogheda, that will hopefully be realised' and appealed to the government and Dail Eireann to 'look at this town, or city, as it should be, to aim high, to help us succeed, by making it a wonderful place to live, shop and socialise in.'
Having made the decision to leave her full time teaching post for the next year to dedicate her time to the role, she added her own personal ambitions to launch a podcast, and to write a book not only about her own time as Mayor of Drogheda, but also examining how the role has evolved over cernturies. from the Anglo Norman invasion to the present day.
She looked forward to hosting a series of events over the next year, including International Women's Day, adding; 'I hope we can do it bigger and better in March 2026. '
She voiced her support for women in political roles and across all industries, saying: 'We must always raise women up when we can, and trust that they will do the same.'
She pledged to work closely with Louth County Council, the new CEO David Conway, and the other chairs of Municipal Districts across the county, the Drogheda business community, BIDS, An Garda Siochana., Tidy Towns, and the new Deputy Mayor, saying 'We are stronger together.'
The cycling enthusiast added: ' I am hoping we will see new cycle lanes commence this year. Cycling is quick, cheap and brings great health benefits.'
She also appealed for greater focus on tackling climate change, with projects such as the development of the River Boyne 'above and below the water.'
Finally she thanked the Old Drogheda Society for reviving the tradition of firing the canon upon the election of a new Mayor.
The event, a visual treat of pomp and ceremony, was marked with a Mayoral reception at Millmount Museum.
Funded by the Local Democracy Scheme
