FURTHER meetings are being arranged over the next few days between Drogheda and District Chamber, Drogheda BIDS and government in a bid to resolve the ongoing concerns in relation to the d Hotel and its proposed change in use from visitor accommodation to short term housing of International Applicants. The resulting impact on the town's economy and tourist trade has been deemed 'potentially devastating' by members of the business community.
The significant loss of bed nights in a town already in dire need of more accommodation could impact the area for years to come.
Drogheda Chamber President, Hubert Murphy and Drogheda BIDS CEO, Trevor Connolly, met Justice Minister Helen McEntee and Fergus O'Dowd TD on Tuesday.
"We found the minister very supportive of Drogheda and she clearly understands the landscape here. She was a major player in the formation of the Drogheda Implementation Board and helped deliver a key piece of infrastructure that has been vital for the town since its inception," the chamber president remarked.
"We have pushed for an economic analysis to be conducted by the Department of a given area before major decisions like this are thrust upon towns and communities. We have sought a reversal of this proposal due to the overall economic impact this will have on the town's tourism and hospitality sector for years to come" Mr Connolly added.
Following lengthy debate, the minister said that she was committed to assisting how she can and would update the business bodies again in the coming days.
"We thank the minister for meeting us. This is about finding a way to bridge the gap between the humanitarian needs of desperate people and the needs of the biggest town in Ireland. A way has to be found and quickly,' the business groups added.