Julianstown

Drogheda Independent Devotes Page to Tolls

The Drogheda Indo devoted the full front page of it's DI Plus section to the tolls and how they affect Drogheda last week. In a feature headlined "Drogheda pays a heavy toll", Eoin Reynolds gives us the pig picture on the "only town in Ireland that is directly tolled". The article goes on the claim that Meath and Louth county council rake in Euro €1M per year in rates, while Drogheda Council gets nothing. Notably Louth TD Fergus O'Dowd calls for some of this revenue to go to Drogheda.

The Donore Road tolls come in for heavy criticisms since they are hardly used and seem to be loss making. There is also concern that facility to waive the second toll for traffic entering and leaving Drogheda on this route is not being advertised. There is mixed reaction from business. On the positive side it is now easier for deliveries to be made to certain locations in the town. But on the negative businessess relying on motor way access feel the toll is deterring custom.

Link to toll stories (registration required)

On the Meath side it is clear that virtually no money is flowing from tolls rates to benefit local communities. In fact the opposite is true. A separate story in the same edition points out that Meath County Council is in fact liquidating its assets in East Meath in order to reduce its debt while at the same time pressing ahead with the construction of new offices in Navan. The council is set to sell seven acres of zoned land in Bettystown despite the overwhelming need for sites for community facilities, schools and social housing. Significantly the article states that this issue will be translated into votes for politicians.

Link to Bettystown Land Story (registration required)

Julianstown.Com has consistently pointed out the disgraceful traffic situation here citing the tolls and poor planning of motorway exits causing huge traffic flows through the small scenic village. Significantly both politicians and local authority cite lack of funds to bypass or relocate the Drogheda motorway exit. However it is now becoming clear that the local population is not accepting these excuses and it will significantly determine voting preference in the next general election.

posted by FPL @ 10:12 AM