Drogheda and District Chamber is looking forward to a new era of cooperation and constructive engagement with the newly elected TDs in the region following a meeting in the Boyne Valley Hotel yesterday.

Attended by Paula Butterly (FG), Erin McGreehan (FF), Joanna Byrne (SF) and Ged Nash Lab), the gathering heard from chamber members who are keen to see the town grow and deliver on its enormous promise.

In a wide-ranging debate, the TDs gave their views on everything from city status to the completion of the PANCR to hotels, traffic, the role of the IDA and Enterprise Ireland, the lack of FDI and the huge tourism potential of the town and area.

In relation to the completion of the Northern Cross Route,  it was stated that the Department of Transport will be lobbied to deliver on the project and members of the Chamber offered to be part of the process.

The issues surrounding South Drogheda and administration by two different local authorities, the pedestrianisation of West Street and the frustration felt by local people when they see the potential of the town not realised, were also paramount.

The need for more support for small to medium sized firms drew a firm reaction, with increases in costs proving difficult to absorb.

President, Naomi Tully, welcomed everybody to the event and felt it was a very worthwhile exercise.

“This is the first in a series of engagements we are looking at to advance the town and the projects at hand. It was stated that we should also meet the local councillors and we intend to do that – from both Louth and the Laytown/Bettystown district,” Chamber CEO, Hubert Murphy, stated.

“The Chamber believes in delivering for its members – from the solopreneurs to the bigger companies – and events like this gives them a voice. We hope some solid interaction will now develop between all parties.”

Chamber CEO, Hubert Murphy, also met with newly appointed senator Alison Comyn (pictured above) for a wide-ranging briefing on the town and district and she feels there is a real desire to see Drogheda succeed at the highest level going forward.

“There is a very positive vibe about what this town can be and the more people we meet and engage with, the greater the prospects of achieving big wins for this area and those that live and work here,” the CEO stated.

“Senator Comyn knows the challenges we face but is prepared to put the hard work in to support our members. As a chamber, we have goals and targets and it’s down to us to deliver on them.”

Senator Comyn said she was delighted to facilitate the meeting and learn about the issues and opportunities out there for the business world locally.

“I hope this will be the first of many meetings with the Chamber,” she added.