Drogheda Port Access Northern Cross Route officially opens
Completed just over a year after commencement
The Drogheda Port Access Northern Cross Route (PANCR), was officially opened on Monday 26 February 2024, by the Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, Cllr Paula Butterly in the company of the Chief Executive of Louth County Council, Joan Martin.
Completed just over a year after commencement, this major link road in Drogheda makes way for the development of up to 5,000 new homes and eases significant traffic issues in the area.
This significant piece of infrastructure for the North East Region was delivered by way of an innovative collaboration between the HISCo, Castlethorn, Ballymakenny Developments Ltd and Louth County Council. The PANCR is expected to allow Drogheda to develop sustainably into its Northern environs, delivering new housing and communities for years to come.
The event was attended by leading representatives of Castlethorn; the Housing Infrastructure Services Company (HISCo) and Ballymakenny Developments Ltd, all of whom, along with Louth County council, were pivotal in bringing the project to fruition. The project, which was instigated by Louth County Council, is one of the leading projects in the Council’s Capital Programme 2024-26.
Speaking about the project the Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, Cllr Paula Butterly said: “This is a hugely positive day for Louth and the North East Region. This is a critical piece of infrastructure for the North East Region. It will ensure better connectivity for North Drogheda and allow for thousands of homes to be built and occupied.
“I want to pay particular tribute to Louth County Council, Castlethorn and Ballymakenny Developments for the innovative approach they brought to this project and for engaging with HISCo to ensure that the project is becoming a reality.”
The CEO of Louth County Council, Joan Martin said; “This is a significant day for Drogheda and allows for the town’s future growth in a sustainable manner. I am delighted that Louth County Council have been able to engage and collaborate with our key stakeholders on this project; Castlethorn; Ballymakenny Developments and HISCo.
“The purpose of and the vision for the Port Access Road was multifaceted. Providing space for the population of Drogheda, as a Designated Regional Growth Centre, lies at the heart of the road. Even Phase 1 of the road has opened vast areas of land in North Drogheda and we can see the first of thousands of homes already built or under construction.
"The model that HISCo have made available to housebuilders in conjunction with partners, like Castlethorn and Ballymakenny Developments Ltd, allows for Local Authorities like Louth County Council, to deliver significant infrastructure like the PANCR in an innovative manner.”
Joe O’Reilly, CEO of Castlethorn said “We are delighted to have partnered with Louth County Council, HISCo, Ballymakenny Developments Ltd and Clonmel Enterprises in the delivery of this project. While the results speak for themselves, the success of this project reinforces the advantage of private sector and public sector working together to deliver meaningful change in a timely and cost-effective manner.
"Not only will this road support the growth of commerce in Drogheda town and facilitate the operation of Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, but it also supports the delivery of much needed housing at schemes across the northern environs including Ballymakenny Park and Listoke Avenue. By year end 2024, almost 300 families will have moved into our first phase at Ballymakenny Park.”
“I would like to thank Joan Martin of Louth County Council, Niall Morrissey of HISCo, Nick Ashmore and Donal Murphy of ISIF for making their resources available to deliver this strategic piece of infrastructure.”
HISCO says that this project builds on its successful projects that are ongoing across the country and augurs well for its plans to deliver similar supporting infrastructure for new homes across Ireland. It added that it is "delighted that this road is now open for use and the new homes are being delivered as a result of this key piece of infrastructure that will make Drogheda a better place to live, work and do business in".