Paula Butterly (Louth, Fine Gael)
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760. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government for a full update on the Westgate Vision application for Drogheda, which will revitalise the centre of Drogheda; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1014/25]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal East, Fianna Fail)
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In line with the objectives of the National Planning Framework and the National Development Plan, the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) is currently providing part-funding to applicant-led projects, enabling more compact and sustainable development within the existing built-up footprints of our cities and large towns.

Under Call 1 of the URDF programme, Louth County Council (LCC) has received an allocation of €720,167 towards its Westgate Vision project in Drogheda. The funding was provided for technical assistance, including project management, concept development, feasibility and detailed design along with the planning elements of the project. The project is described as an Urban Regeneration project to transform the Westgate area of Drogheda and establish a positive regeneration dynamic in the broader town centre. The initial allocation was increased in September 2022 to include an Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) and Natura Impact Statement.

95% of the URDF funding allocated to this project has been drawn down by the Council and it is substantially complete in that context. The planning application was lodged with An Bord Pleanála (ABP) in December 2023 (ABP ref number 318758). 11 submissions have been received by ABP and the Council’s response to the submissions was issued to ABP on 8 April 2024. No further details have been requested by ABP. LCC is in regular contact with ABP for updates regarding the project and is awaiting a decision.

The design proposals, EIAR and all lodged planning documents are available on the ABP website under 'view associated documents' at www.pleanala.ie/en-ie/case/318758 and also on the Louth County Council portal at consult.louthcoco.ie/en/consultation/westgate-2040.