Peter Fitzpatrick (Louth, Independent) | Oireachtas source

On the verge of the Christmas celebrations, the HSE aims to dispose of the recognisable name of Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda. The name was established through the legacy of its founder, Mother Mary Martin, a pioneer and an instigator of hospital and maternity services in the north east. Changing the name of the hospital revokes the legacy and vision of its founder and her achievements in providing maternity services where none existed previously.

This unnecessary box-ticking exercise - stripping away heritage and culture - has been railroaded through without any consultation with the people of Drogheda and Louth. This attempt to whitewash a legacy could begin a journey down slippery slope to get rid of more historic names, objects and landmarks that somehow offend or are not seen as progressive. Names are powerful and they have meanings. They are a link to past generations and our culture, honour and history. This hospital was named by Mother Mary Martin in honour of Our Blessed Lady and should remain so in honour of Mother Mary Martin and the community that helped to build, run and maintain Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda.

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