Drogheda Leader

Hi all here's another great event as part of Lifestyle Development Group's 35 year Anniversary celebrations. They are having an exhibition of the work that is carried out on a weekly basis in Ballsgrove. It's a great opportunity to come along with your work and put it on display. From art, knitting, crochet, lace making, marquetry, sustainable projects, ceramics and patchwork. All are welcome come and see the Exhibition and see what's going on at Lifestyle. It's on Saturday 20th of June in St Peter's Church of Ireland Parish Hall, Peter St. Refreshments will be served. Come along and see some familiar faces of friends down the years from Lifestyle. This is a free event.

1,100-seater theatre plan for Bettystown

A planning application has gone in to Meath County Council for a 1,100-seater theatre at the site of the Funtasia Theme Park building in the main square in Bettsytown.

The development will consist of the construction of a new additional storey extension above the existing Funtasia building to include the theatre with balcony seating, bar, restaurant and ancillary spaces along with internal alterations to the existing first floor.

The development does not include any changes to the existing entertainment and amusement areas on the ground floor.

The building is located across from the Bettystown Civic Centre and Library, which opened last year.

For the full story, go to page 6 www.droghedaleader.ie

Six tonnes of asbestos removed from Westgate House

By Lauren Ross

The regeneration of the long-awaited Westgate House in Drogheda is moving forward, but Louth County Council has revealed the scale of the challenge at the site, where six tonnes of asbestos have been removed and parts of the building are described as being in "a poor state".

Despite those issues, the council hopes to go to tender in September for a works contractor, with the project due to be completed by mid-2028.

The project, which received €7m in THRIVE funding, is intended to turn West Gate House and the former Drogheda Youth Development (DYD) building into a multi-functional cultural and community hub, featuring exhibition and performance spaces, artist studios, digital media facilities and meeting rooms. The total investment in the project is estimated at approximately €10m, with the €3 million balance to be provided by Louth County Council.

The update was given to members at the June meeting of Drogheda Borough District following Cllr Pio Smith’s (Lab) request for an update on the works.

A council official told members that the design team is still working through the structural assessment of the property, which was said to be in a “poor state to say the least”.

Works have already included the removal of six tonnes of asbestos from the former DYD building on the site with the official telling members a “lot of work is going on at the moment in getting the detailed design done, and paring back the walls from the old plasterboard that was put up to see what the actual issues are behind it.”

The older part of the building has also presented problems, with suspended floors having to be put in because the original floors are gone.

(Pictured is Westgate House and a design image of the building ahead of the works)

For more see page 4 www.droghedaleader.ie

The Drogheda Leader is out today

You can pick up a copy from stands in shops and supermarkets across Drogheda, Mid Louth and East Meath.

Got a story? Email [email protected]

You can also read the newspaper online at www.droghedaleader.ie

This week's issue is out tomorrow

Keep an eye out for it in our branded stands in shops and supermarkets across Drogheda, Mid Louth and East Meath.

Got a story? Email [email protected] or send a private message.

You can read the newspaper online at www.droghedaleader.ie