The Drogheda northern port access cross route will cost €28.6 million. It is an essential road for the expansion of the town of Drogheda and a critical issue for the local authority. Its length is 5.5 kms and it will take all of the traffic from the motorway across to the port. Drogheda is clogged with traffic. Heavy trucks travel to and from the port through the streets of the town, which is a matter of concern to all the citizens.
In a report to the county council last Monday the Louth county manager said work on the project had been suspended indefinitely and would not be resumed until £1 million expended by the council had been recouped. No commitment has been made by the Drogheda Port Company to contribute to the cost or by the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources which was to be approached by the port company.
As the project does not concern a national road, the NRA has no involvement. The Department of the Environment and Local Government, which is aware of the project, will not be approached until funding is committed and paid by the port company and the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources. The road must be paid for by the following parties: Drogheda Corporation, Drogheda Borough Council, Drogheda Port Company, the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources and those with planning permission to develop the town on the northern environs in which 15,000 new dwellings will be built.
The road is essential to contribute to the proper and orderly development of Drogheda. Unless it is built the town will not develop in a manner acceptable to the people who live there. The development plan for the northern side of the town is under consideration. The Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Deputy Dermot Ahern, is my constituency colleague. He must use his power and influence within his Department which has a very important role to play. The future of Drogheda relies on his Department's contribution. Louth County Council and Drogheda Corporation have placed the road at the core of the development plan and £1 million has already been spent. It is up to the Minister to do his bit for the town.