Latest news with #LouthCountyCouncil
Irish Independent
4 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
- Health
- Irish Independent
‘Smelly' Louth coastline a ‘naturally occurring phenomenon'
Cllr. Shane McGuinness raised the issue at the June meeting of Louth County Council, highlighting the red/brown algal bloom which has washed up along the coast at Blackrock. He told councillors the bloom is particularly prevalent 'along the strand at the main street, the Priest's beach and along the marsh grasses at The Loakers which is an Special Protected Area (SPA) and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC).' Explaining that he had raised this with the local authority, he added: 'I was told that it wasn't what I thought it was, and it was a natural occurrence and harmless. I requested it be cleaned up as soon as possible as people couldn't put their clothes outside on the line, or even walk in the area because the smell was so repugnant. I cannot imagine the effect this is having on our wildlife.' The response to my queries was that 'we couldn't take a vehicle on to the beach as the National Parks and Wildlife services would not allow it'. He added: 'I believe this material washed up is an Algal Bloom which is a rapid increase of algae which is caused by an excess of nitrogen and phosphorus in particular. These blooms can be extremely harmful, impacting water quality, causing oxygen depletion and producing toxins that not only affect wildlife but seriously effect humans and pets. Animal and human health is threatened here as this nutrient pollution contains high levels of Nitrogen and Phosphorus from sources like sewage and slurry.' 'Sometimes, you only have to use your sense of smell, to realise that this is a major problem caused by our lack of sewerage treatment capacity in this entire area and toilet waste getting into our seas is the main cause of it I believe. The permitted use of human sludge from WWTP (Waste Water treatment plants) on our lands and the "uncontrolled releases" from WWTP and storm drainpipes has contributed enormously to this algal bloom, I believe.' 'I am requesting the environmental section of this council to get an independent analysis carried out on this Algae, as the onus is on us as councillors in the chamber to have it tested and determine its safety and our next moves. I believe the environmental section of Louth County Council cannot continue to promote the notion that this is a natural occurrence and not in any way a risk to human health.' Cllr. McGuinness criticised what he referred to as 'a lack of engagement' "I have raised this a number of times over the last twelve months, Dundalk South needs a Waste Water Treatment Plant. I know that we can easily say it is an Irish Water issue, but I believe we need to communicate better over the next twelve months.' Director of Service, David Hanratty, said they had been in contact with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in relation to this matter, adding: 'The position hasn't changed, it is a natural phenomenon.' He explained that the nutrient rich water in this area, comes largely from the marsh land. Mr. Hanratty said they had 'no reports of malfunctions at waste water treatment plants that would have contributed to no evidence of any links to sewage or any run off from agricultural activities.' He added that as it is a "naturally occurring algal bloom' the local authority 'cannot clean it up, we cannot interfere with the natural ecological processes.' The very warm Spring weather, coupled with the nutrient rich water, had likely contributed to the increase in algal bloom, he said. 'But, that being said, we will continue to monitor the situation,' On a related topic, Cllr. Marianne Butler asked if there were any 'nature based projects' to deal with the 'run off from streets etc' in Louth. She asked: 'When are we going to adopt nature based solutions?' Mr. Hanratty said that under the new Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive, Dundalk has been chosen as one of five pilot sites around the country that will see the development of an integrated waste water treatment plant, looking at where water comes from and where it goes. He added that it is being led by Uisce Eireann, but involves local stakeholders including Louth County Council.
The 42
2 days ago
- Business
- The 42
Drogheda owners to cover €525,000 shortfall after European expulsion
DROGHEDA UNITED OWNERS Trivela Group have confirmed they will cover the shortfall of more than €500,000 in the club's budget after they were expelled from European competition this season due to multi-club rules. And co-chairman Ben Boycott has revealed that they have submitted documents to Louth County Council to pursue securing the land for our new stadium The League of Ireland club failed in their appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to be reinstated to the UEFA Conference League on Monday. Boycott wrote a lengthy open letter on the club's website regarding the situation and said the process of implementing rule changes around multi-club ownership 'lacked consistency, clarity, and fairness.' Advertisement As detailed by The 42 yesterday, the FAI contacted Drogheda's owners last November regarding their participation in the UEFA Conference League as soon as they were notified of the firm's takeover of Danish side Silkeborg on 19 November last year. A UEFA Circular was sent to the FAI on 7 October – before Trivela bought 80% of Silkeborg – regarding the change of deadline – from June to March – for multi-club groups to adhere to the requirements to participate in the same competition. 'I believe that this very limited communication around a significant rule change created a meaningful blind spot. It appears that other MCO groups were proactively contacted by UEFA in December and January regarding these rule changes,' Boycott said. 'Further, it seems that some of those that were contacted and began taking steps before this deadline were then given time to implement structures after the deadline. We were not ever contacted directly, and Drogheda was not afforded that same flexibility. 'Regardless of how it happened – the reality is that larger and more resourced clubs had much more information and opportunity than DUFC did. That's a system that puts clubs and groups like ours at a disadvantage.' Looking to the remainder of this season, and beyond, Boycott insisted in the open letter that 'day-to-day operations are unaffected' by the loss of European prize money worth a minimum of €525,000, and provided an update on their plans to move to a new stadium. 'Let me be equally clear: this setback will not define Drogheda United's future. We care deeply about this club and this town, and we are committed to its long-term success. The club remains on sound footing. Trivela will cover the shortfall in revenue from missing Europe, and we are fully committed to seeing this project through. Day-to-day operations are unaffected. 'I will be meeting personally with our players and staff in the coming days, and I hope that we as a group can remain focused on the task at hand. Our FAI Cup title defence begins in July. And we have great potential to qualify for Europe again via the League of Ireland campaign. 'The future remains bright. We've now submitted documents to Louth County Council to pursue securing the land for our new stadium—one of the most significant steps in this club's history. That work continues, uninterrupted.'
Irish Independent
2 days ago
- Business
- Irish Independent
Louth's €20,000 trip to New York for St Patrick's Day was ‘not a jaunt'
Cllr. Maeve Yore led criticism, saying she had been an Independent Councillor for many years, and in that time had 'never, ever agreed to the trip to New York, and the Dundalk businesses and Louth public are telling me they don't agree with it either.' She added that she had been asked by businesses to relay the message that: 'No business in Louth would send a six person delegation off on a trade mission with no guarantees of a return in jobs or tourism.' But there was strong defence of the visit from many, with Cllr. Emma Coffey saying that, historically, Louth has had a strong and unique relationship with America, adding that 'in the current climate we need to protect that as we have benefitted both socially and economically from the relationship.' "It is a preservation exercise as far as I am concerned. It is invaluable. If you are not at the table, you can't fight for the meal, and the scraps that come off it,' said Cllr. Coffey. Cllr. Yore reviewed a breakdown of the trip, and detailed six attendees travelling for six days, including four councillors and two management from Louth County Council. She queried the subsistence provided during the six day trip, asking for an explanation of the cost of meals, separate from subsistence. She asked about the County Louth Society of New York, how many members it has, and how long each meeting lasted with Tourism Ireland and other agencies the Louth delegation met with in Dundalk. She further queried if, following these meetings in New York, these agencies had forwarded 'their plans to promote Louth as a destination, and if so, can we see a copy of them.' 'Was infrastructure challenges in the county, such as water capacity and housing discussed, and what solutions were offered?' Cllr. Yore queried the 'year on year cost of this trip, when local parades struggle annually, and are told there is no money,' She listed the cost of the trip at €20,600 in 2025, and over €17,000 in 2024. Deputy Chief Executive at Louth County Council, Thomas McEvoy, said the council had provided a report last month which broke down the costs. He said the times of meetings had varied, but were given to the delegation by the various agencies, ranging from 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes. "We did discuss infrastructure and we did discuss housing,' said Mr. McEvoy, adding that the meetings were an opportunity to highlight the range of developments and housing progress that was being made in the county. He pointed out that they had asked the IDA what the top issue for overseas clients was, and they were clear in the response that it was housing. The locations that are showing housing activity would get prominence. "We were able to show them a report we have prepared on housing in Louth, and the investment promotion website which is very much aligned with the IDA website. That helps them promote us as at the centre of the region.' Mr. McEvoy told councillors: 'We are there with the sole purpose of promoting jobs, promoting tourism, and the cultural links we share.' The delegation met with the County Louth Society of New York, inviting them to dinner which had been listed in the costs provided. "I would say that the county societies in New York are struggling in recent years to maintain the numbers they once had, so they value the relationships even more so now.' The Deputy Chief Executive said 'They are asking us to maintain that link, and we are responding to what they have asked of us.' He said that all expenses claims were subject to audit, and he had checked every claim that had gone through. New Cathaoirleach, Cllr. Sean Kelly, told the meeting that the 'invaluable contacts' which the Deputy Chief Executive had were beneficial to the Louth delegation during their visit. and in meetings with various agencies. "We are well ahead of many other local authorities, and this was clear in the dialogue we had, and in getting the message across that Louth is a great place to do business.' responded: 'Well it hasn't translated into jobs.' Cllr. Kevin Callan, who travelled with the delegation said: 'We do not go out on a trade mission, we go out at the invitation of the County Louth Society.' "I am kind of at a loss in this chamber, as all counties go, with the exception I think of one or two. We either go and present and fight for the county or we just stay at home. It has been said before that we should invite the delegation here, but this is nonsense as they want us to go over and meet their members in New York for St, Patrick's Day.' He added: 'I am conscious that generations have gone from Louth, like in every other county. It is extremely important, it keeps that connection alive with people who have come from here, and whose families have come from here.' "It is not fair to tag it as a jaunt, because it's not. It is hard work, and the officials who go out with members put in a lot of hard work.' Cllr. Pio Smith, who had also taken part in the visit, added that he had learned much from the meetings in New York, including how important the reputation of individual towns was to CEO's who might be looking to invest. Cllr. Kevin Meenan told the meeting that he was 'One of those who decided not to go a few years ago and then did go the second time around. I would definitely recommend that you go, and in terms of what the county gets out of it.. I don't think you can quantify that.' He said there was a 'huge amount of work involved in this trip, and you are flat to the mat from the moment you get there until you leave.' Cllr. Meenan said it was: 'a huge honour for the people from Louth who are over there to host us,' and highlighted the St. Patrick's Day Parade in the city as a huge event for the diaspora. Cllr. Paddy McQuillan said that as Mayor of Drogheda he 'chose to stay at home this year' and added that the costs of these trips will rise every year. Cllr. Michelle Hall, the current Mayor of Drogheda, added: 'I think that the majority in this chamber agree with the trip, and once it's agreed that's it.' She added that the council should also be building links throughout Europe. 'We have to promote County Louth, it is the smallest county in Ireland, and we need the inward investment as well as our own exports. I am a great believer that we need to be travelling to Europe a lot more.' Cllr. Emma Coffey agreed, adding that a recent survey of democracies had shown that Ireland was 'on par with Hungary at local authority level, which I don't think is right as a democracy in Europe that is well regarded.' "The one thing that we lag behind in is our independence. Central government has completely eroded the independence of local government,' She acknowledged the taskforce which has been launched, but added: 'From 2014 we have been eroded, and it is shocking to think that we are now on a par with Hungary, and that has been acknowledged by the Minister of European Affairs, it is not something that we should be proud of.' Cllr. Marianne Butler said it was important to preserve the relationships with Louth people in New York. 'I do want to make the point that it is not an either or. We can look for better support for our festivals and parades, and still send a delegation to New York, or Europe, or wherever we need to go.'
Irish Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Irish Times
Drogheda lands with full planning for 198 new homes guiding at €8m
Agent CBRE is guiding a price of €8 million for an 11.54-hectare (28.52-acre) site in Drogheda , Co Louth , with full planning permission for the development of 198 new homes. Located 2.9km from Drogheda's town centre, the subject site is accessed from the newly constructed Port Access Northern Cross Route to the north and is bound by Twenties Lane to the west. In terms of its accessibility, the site is about a five-minute drive to Junction 10 on the M1 motorway providing future residents with ready access to both Dublin and Belfast. There are a number of bus routes serving the Twenties area including the 100, 182, 190, D4 & D5 routes serving Drogheda town centre, Drogheda bus station, Drogheda's MacBride train station and Southgate Shopping Centre along the R132 on the south side of Drogheda. The site is zoned 'A2 – new residential' in the Louth County Development Plan 2021-2027. The 198 homes were approved in two tranches of 99 units in separate planning applications to Louth County Council in 2023 and 2024 respectively. The first approval was given in May 2023 for a total of 99 units, comprising two-, three- and four-bedroom houses (planning ref: 22713), while the second approval was given in June 2024 for a total of 99 units comprising houses, apartments and duplexes (planning ref: 2360467). READ MORE Peter Garrigan of CBRE says: 'The lands at Twenties Lane offer the opportunity to deliver a variety of residential tenure types in one of Ireland's fastest-growing commuter towns. The lands have full planning permission, and will allow developers to deliver family homes at scale in an established urban setting. With ongoing planning delays and a lack of appropriate stock, we expect to see strong interest from a wide range of local and national developers and funders.'
