DCSG and Drogheda councillors hold frank and open exchange of views about future of city

DCSG met Drogheda Municipal Borough District councillors at the civic offices, Fair Street.

Members of Drogheda City Status Group (DCSG) met with councillors of the Municipal Borough District of Drogheda at the council’s chambers in Fair Street yesterday (Friday).

DCSG welcomed the opportunity to meet with councillors and to have what was a frank and at times passionate exchange of views in relation to the governance of Drogheda going forward.

The meeting was chaired by Mayor of Drogheda, Cllr. Michelle Hall.

“We were delighted to have an opportunity to make our case that a city administration is the best way forward for the effective administration of Drogheda,” DCSG Chairperson Anna McKenna said.

“The views expressed on both sides of the table were forthright and honest, and although there was disagreement on certain things, we were glad to have an opportunity to express how we feel about how the city of Drogheda needs to be governed,” she said.

“The campaign for city status has increased in intensity in recent months. DCSG has become much more active on social media in particular, and although there is some pushback on certain things, it is clear to us that many people living here believe that Drogheda needs its own city administration, its own city manager, and the sort of funding and investment that a mushrooming city needs as it looks ahead to the next decade of growth,” Anna added.

“We have a very committed and dedicated committee, all of whom give their time and effort to the campaign without payment of any kind. We are very lucky to have such a passionate group of advocates for Drogheda’s future.”

“As a direct result of our recent social media activity, we recently welcomed two new members to the DCSG committee, which we are delighted about. But more than that, there is a whole host of people who have reached out to offer their expertise, time and assistance to our campaign.”

DCSG Chairperson Anna McKenna and PRO Anthony Murphy travelled to Dublin on Tuesday to press the case for city status for Drogheda with Minister of State for Housing and Local Government, John Cummins. 

“That was a very constructive meeting, and Minister Cummins took our views on board. We were particularly heartened to see seven people on his side of the table, including Louth TD Paula Butterly and five advisors and administrative staff. It was a clear indication that Minister Cummins was listening earnestly to our views, and treating our meeting with the utmost attention.

On the same day that DCSG met local councillors, Louth Sinn Féin TD Deputy Joanna Byrne launched a draft City Status Bill in The Marcy, West Street. 

“For the first time, we have a clear legislative pathway towards making Drogheda a city. We believe it’s time everyone got behind the campaign for city status, and we will continue to work tirelessly towards achieving our aims,” Anna concluded.

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