Latest news with #DavidConway
Irish Independent
12 hours ago
- Business
- Irish Independent
Solar powered CCTV in Louth to target illegal dumping
Concerns about the rise of illegal dumping were highlighted at the monthly meeting of Louth County Council. Councillors were told the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications had announced funding through the WERLA's to support Local Authorities in 2025 Anti-Dumping Initiative (ADI). Chief Executive David Conway outlined in his monthly management report: 'The 2025 ADI aims to reduce incidents of illegal dumping by identifying and delivering projects aimed at tackling illegal dumping 'black spots' throughout the county and adhere to key measures of prevention, abatement, education and awareness and enforcement. The Department continues to strongly encourage innovative projects, which recognise waste as a resource that can be repurposed for use in a Circular Economy.' A total of six project applications were submitted for approval under the ADI 2025 totalling €112,583.60. The Department approved funding of €100,783.60 for the completion of five projects including: Mattress and Sofa Amnesty Event – V&W Dundalk; Mattress and Sofa Amnesty Event – V&W Drogheda; Mattress and Soda Amnesty Collection Point – Ardee; Moneymore Lanes clean-up and a Solar Powered CCTV system at Williamsons Place, Dundalk. Cllr. Emma Coffey asked for an update on the Solar Powered CCTV system, asking for a timeline on when this might be delivered. She added that it was hoped this could be an initiative that could be used again, as it was likely to be more sustainable in terms of maintenance and upkeep. Director of Services, David Hanratty, explained that it has to be approved by the CCTV steering group, adding that there were increased privacy directives. This would not be a permanent fixture, and could operate on a temporary basis for a month or two. But, he pointed out that it was a piece of equipment that could be moved to other locations. The meeting heard the sofa and mattress amnesty events would be held in a similar way to previous years, in three civic amenity locations, Dundalk, Drogheda and Ardee.
Irish Independent
a day ago
- Business
- Irish Independent
Government urged to extend free travel for children under nine and pensioners to commercial services
An organisation representing private bus operators said it would cost €1m to extend the free travel scheme for children using commercial as well as state bus services, in a pre-budget submission to the Department of Finance. The Coach Tourism and Transport Council also wants financial incentives and funding to decarbonise the national bus fleet. It said in the third quarter of this year, the National Transport Authority will allow passengers under nine on state transport providers free of charge. The organisation said the same benefits will not be afforded to those using commercial services. It claimed this disparity is creating an unfairness for passengers, establishes an urban-rural divide, and unfair competition in the marketplace. Chairperson David Conway said the expansion of free travel is a welcome development in recent years. 'We would urge the government to include commercial operators in the next phase of the roll out of free transport, particularly for the free transport scheme for children under-nine which is due to brought in in 2026,' he said. He said this would be an important step in ensuring that thousands of families who use commercial bus operators on a daily basis can avail of an important cost reduction, 'particularly when we provide many transport routes where the state cannot". Mr Conway said the IT infrastructure is already in place, as commercial providers are part of the Young Adult Leap Card and Free Travel Pass schemes. Due to a shortage of drivers, the organisation wants older drivers to be able to continue working longer. "We know that many drivers over 70 are well able to continue working as school bus drivers,' said Mr Conway. 'They should be allowed to continue serving the communities that they have for many years.' A CCTC spokesperson said its members operate more than 95pc of school transport services and provide almost all private coach hire. It represents nearly 90 operators with a combined fleet of 11,500 coaches. Operators include, Kavanagh Coaches, Flightlink, Aircoach and Wexford Bus. Previously, a report by the National Office for Traffic Medicine warned the government of potential risks if people over 70 were allowed to drive school buses.
Irish Independent
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
Irish Independent
06-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Louth County Council signs contract for construction works to begin on Drogheda Digital Hub
The signing commences construction works that will begin immediately on the project, with an aim to boost local enterprise and innovation in Drogheda. Doors are expected to open in late summer. The project will see the complete refurbishment and fit-out of a formerly derelict building into a modern, co-working and innovation space. The refurbishment is funded through Enterprise Ireland's Border Enterprise Development Fund, which is funded under the EU's Brexit Adjustment Reserve (BAR), with co-funding from Louth County Council. The Drogheda Digital Hub is designed to support start-ups, remote workers, and scaling tech enterprises by offering affordable co-working space, business support services, training and tailored mentoring programmes. It is expected to house over 20 co-working desks, meeting rooms, private booths, and breakout areas – providing a modern, professional environment for the region's next generation of entrepreneurs. Chief executive of Louth County Council, David Conway said: 'The Drogheda Digital Hub will support the creation of a vibrant cluster of digital start-ups, right in the heart of the town, and is a beacon for urban renewal on West Street in Drogheda. 'It reinforces that the future development of the town is positive and is further evidence that Louth County Council and our partners and stakeholders are committed to delivering projects that will improve quality of life.' With a 13.2% population increase and more than 7,000 new homes planned for the area, the organisers said that the timing of the initiative is 'critical' to support local entrepreneurship. The signing was attended by senior representatives from Louth County Council, Enterprise Ireland, Drogheda and District Chamber of Commerce, local dignitaries and the appointed contractor, Gavin Duffy, along with the director from Doohamlet Construction. Cllr Kevin Callan, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, said: 'Transforming a once-derelict building into a state-of-the-art Digital Hub is a signal that Drogheda is open for innovation, investment, and fresh ideas. 'As well as providing much-needed incubation space for budding entrepreneurs, the Drogheda Digital Hub will draw footfall back to West Street, boosting local businesses, and positioning the town as one of the North-East's leading locations for digital enterprise.'
Irish Independent
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Irish Independent
New Louth County Council CEO doesn't rule out Drogheda's city status bid
But David Conway said a multi-agency approach was needed before such a move can ever happen. This would involve both the Council, the Gardai, the HSE and many other arms of the state working closely together in the one direction to become a city. Both Louth and Meath County Councils would have most to lose in terms of population and revenue if the Government decided to grant Drogheda City status. The Drogheda City Status group supported by Drogheda Chamber, local businesses and the politicians have been campaigning for years on deaf ears for the town to be upgraded to a city. Despite the soaring local population and all sorts of promises from various ministers at every election the elevation of Drogheda to a city is consistently blocked by the powers that be within the civil service, at local and national level. The Drogheda City Status group rightly argue that Drogheda with an immediate population in the old borough of 45,000 plus another 20,000 between the Louth and Meath sides of the town, is big enough to be a city. However it believes Drogheda is losing out because it has no local government management based in the town and all of the decisions are made by council officials based in Dundalk, the county town. Both the townspeople and local businesses all agree that the loss of the old Drogheda Corporation has had a severe impact on the town and with no Town Clerk or local staff, Drogheda has gone downhill. In the interview with Ken Murray on LMFM, Mr Conway who is only new in his job, did not dismiss the proposal. He said; "I'm not saying that we should all collectively move forward to get city status. "What I am saying is that we should move forward together collectively to enhance the profile and look at FDI companies coming in, look at an indigenous companies driving forward , so it is a better place to live, work, and play. "If we don't change the narrative in what's there, we have no success achieving it. "So it's a collective issue and partnership. That includes the Gardai, that includes the HSE, it's a collective group. But I look forward to working with these groups to achieve that." The DI has learned the new CEO is planning to open an office for himself at the new Louth County Council offices in Fair Street and is planning to spend some time in the town every week. He has assured local councillors he will do his best to work with them and to improve services, and help make Drogheda in general a better place to live.
