Councillor Michelle Hall has asked Louth County Council to install more and better quality public seating areas in Drogheda.

Speaking at the October meeting of Drogheda Municipal District, Cllr Hall said: “Well-designed free places for people to sit, wait, drink, eat, meet, talk, and pause can encourage human connection, if only through observation – this can prevent loneliness and strengthen trust within communities” she said.

“Seating can create opportunities for people to reside outside and unlock the health benefits of spending time in nature and increase economic benefits by attracting more tourism.

“While the town centre shopping areas and St. Dominics Park have some seating, if you walk from the town centre, there are very few opportunities to find a seat before reaching your home” she pointed out. “Between Peter Street and Termon Abbey, a 2.5km walk, there is no seating.

“The new Ballymakenny Link Road is a popular 6km walking route but there’s no seating at all. Lack of seating is a huge barrier for an active lifestyle for many and it should be addressed immediately.

“There have been recent developments in the type of seating that should be offered that would allow more socialisation for different genders, abilities and ages which should be considered by Louth County Council, in consultation with local communities. Good quality, innovative seating can also drive tourism to areas”, said Cllr Hall

 In his response, Director of Placemaking and Physical Development, David Jones, said:

The Council has made considerable efforts in recent years to enhance outdoor seating capacity across the Drogheda Borough District, with the provision of multiple parklets, picnic tables, bench seating, park benches, including some recent additions at Port beach.

The Council is open to evaluating further opportunities to install additional quality seating across the District, subject to identified need and the availability of potential funding sources that could support the expansion of these public amenities.