Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am aware of the problems that exist in the locality. I am particularly aware of the wishes of Meath jersey holders, who are very good footballers. Unfortunately, we have trouble catching up with them when we are playing games of football. I am not speaking about the issues relating to east Meath that have been raised by other parties. I do not think it will be necessary to take over bits of County Meath for the purposes I am talking about.

3 o’clock

The population that will exist in the county of Louth will be the equivalent of 50,000 or extremely close to that.

If there has to be a movement of some people the Minister of State will more than meet his target if the railway just south of Drogheda and the conurbation there is brought into Drogheda. The majority of the people who live there would be very happy to be part of the town because they live, shop, go to school and attend the hospital there. It is made for that but that would not affect or change the county boundary which is very important. That is the way forward. I have spoken to the Minister of State, the Minister, Deputy Eoghan Murphy, the Taoiseach and many other people about this.

It is different in other counties. I do not know much about Longford other than that Longford has a county town. In Kerry, the county town is Tralee. County Louth has two of the biggest towns in the country. They have huge demands and needs. I can talk to the Minister of State after today's debate about this. This would be of great advantage to the local community. It will add to a centre which the Minister of State has identified as a regional growth centre. It will make local democracy, power and decision making accountable.

Reading the annals of Drogheda Borough Council which goes back to the 12th century-----

See this speech in context