Old Abbey at Fore of First Meeting of New Louth Council Term

At this month’s meeting of Drogheda Municipal District, Sinn Féin Councillor Joanna Byrne tabled two motions dealing with Anti-Social Behaviour and the recent vandalism of the Old Abbey and the second dealing with safety concerns.

Cllr Byrne praised the two men who have been the driving force behind the revitalisation of the Old Abbey, Eugene Brannigan and John Bannon and noted how dismayed and disappointed she was at the vandalism of all their good work.  “Flowers, planters and trees have been torn up and strewn on several occasions, undoing the Trojan work done on a daily basis to upkeep and maintain this area for our townspeople to enjoy.”

In her first motion, Cllr Byrne asked for CCTV to be installed to curb the anti-social behaviour but was told there were no plans to pursue CCTV in this location.

Cllr Byrne said “There is no place for Anti-social behaviour in this area and any threat to their great work must be called out. An Garda Siochána have been supportive and have brought a presence around the Abbey as footfall has increased in recent weeks with the closure of Narrow West Street. While I am disappointed that CCTV is not being considered in this area but I urge caution to those targeting the place because I will be liaising further with the Gardaí and anybody caught vandalising this area will feel the force of the law as a consequence.”

Cllr Byrne’s second motion around Health & Safety saw her concerns taken on board and will be reviewed.

Cllr Byrne, “I am aware the Westgate Vision incorporates a plan for the Old Abbey, however, if it wasn’t for the commitment given by John and Eugene to this area, this vision would never have been feasible. They have single-handedly transformed a derelict wasteland into a community space to be enjoyed by all. However, we need to ensure there are no safety hazards on entrance points and at present I feel the gravel and steps area pose a huge risk, particularly in wet weather, and we need to support the Volunteers who continue to maintain this area for all our benefit, the best way we can.”

Críoch/Ends