Observant citizens will have noticed that a new pavement has been built, but not open yet, running from opposite the Drogheda Garda Station at Father Connolly Way, under the Bridge of Peace to the new multi storey apartment building.

This pavement under the bridge was one of the planning conditions attached to the apartment complex and at present that is as far as it goes but presumably it could be extended to become part of the proposed Mell Greenway.

Noel Hogan, the Chairperson of The Drogheda Cycling Group has welcomed the development and is calling for similar improvements to be rolled out across Drogheda.

“The new development linking Father Connolly way to Mill Lane provides a traffic free alternative for cyclists and pedestrians to the busy junction at the other end of the Bridge of Peace” Mr Hogan said.

“This kind of short cut permeability improvements are becoming more common in urban design and can often be an easy win in terms of making urban areas more liveable.

“Permeability basically refers to easing movement in an urban area by having as many routes as possible” he explained.

“Specifically for active travel it would mean the creation of shortcuts for walkers and cyclists which would allow them to avoid the traditional road network.

“We are calling on Louth County Council to identify more potential permeability improvements across Drogheda with a view to improving access for walkers and cyclists.

“This would avoid forcing active travel users into congested road junctions. It’s pointless forcing walkers and cyclists into long detours when a potential shortcut is available.”