Fine Gael Councillor Ejiro O’Hare Stratton has raised several important local issues with Tánaiste, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Minister for Defence, Simon Harris TD including city status and services for autistic children with autism.

Speaking at the Fine Gael Councillors’ AGM in Dublin, Councillor O’Hare Stratton pressed Tánaiste Harris on whether the government will commit to granting city status for Drogheda, recognising its size, economic potential, and need for greater investment.

She also highlighted the urgent need for improved services for autistic children, noting that many are being placed in acute hospital settings unnecessarily due to a lack of proper support services in the community.

Additionally, Councillor O’Hare Stratton called for government engagement in developing Hospital Hotels, which could help ease pressure on Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda and other hospitals in the state, free up acute beds, and ensure that critical healthcare services remain accessible to those who need them most.

Tánaiste Harris assured Councillor O’Hare Stratton that he will look into all three issues and provide further updates. After the meeting, Councillor O’Hare Stratton said:

“I welcome Tánaiste Harris’s commitment to looking into these vital issues for Drogheda. As one of Ireland’s largest towns, we need real investment in our future, whether that is through city status, better autism services, or innovative solutions like hospital hotels to ease healthcare pressures. I will continue to push for action and ensure Drogheda gets the support it needs.”