Senator Alison Comyn is calling for immediate action to progress the long-delayed transfer of Bully’s Acre from the HSE to Louth County Council, in support of a passionate group of local volunteers who have, for years, dedicated themselves to the revival of this historically and environmentally significant site in the heart of Drogheda.

Bully’s Acre, the burial ground of the former Drogheda Union Workhouse, holds deep cultural and historical importance. Though the HSE has long agreed to hand over the land to Louth County Council, the transfer has stalled. Yet on the ground, progress is anything but stalled. Thanks entirely to volunteer power, the site has undergone a remarkable transformation.

At the forefront of this grassroots revival are Bob Timmermans, John Dyas of the Friends of Bully’s Acre Drogheda, a dedicated duo who have poured countless hours into restoring and preserving the cemetery since 2023. Without any public funding or formal support, these volunteers have cleared overgrown paths, preserved gravesites, nurtured local biodiversity, and created a peaceful, educational space for the public to enjoy.

“Everything that has been achieved here has been done by local people giving their time, energy, and expertise,” said Senator Comyn. “It’s an incredible example of community spirit and civic pride. But volunteers can only do so much. It’s time for the Council to step in and take formal responsibility for this vital community space.”

The transfer of ownership from the HSE to Louth County Council would allow Bully’s Acre to receive much-needed funding and long-term support for its maintenance and development—resources the volunteer group currently lacks.

“There is no dispute between the HSE and the Council—both are in agreement. But it has fallen between the cracks. My role now is to make sure this doesn’t remain in limbo and that the voices of these incredible volunteers are heard,” added Senator Comyn.

Bully’s Acre is not only a place of historical reflection—tracing back to the 1841 construction of the Drogheda Workhouse—but also a vital green space for biodiversity in an increasingly urban environment. It supports a wide variety of plant and animal life and offers a peaceful refuge for visitors. The work being done here is not just restoration—it’s preservation, education, and community-building.

“This is more than a clean-up project. It's a living history lesson, a biodiversity haven, and a testament to the power of community. But it shouldn't be left to volunteers alone to protect a site of such significance,” Senator Comyn concluded.

Senator Comyn is urging all stakeholders to make the transfer a top priority, so that Bully’s Acre can finally receive the official recognition, protection, and funding it deserves.