Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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212. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if consideration has been given to the formation of a Government working group to examine the population growth and city status for Drogheda (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44466/22]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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The question of city status for Drogheda is not being considered at the moment. The National Planning Framework published in 2018 sets out a vision and strategy for the spatial development of Ireland to 2040. The Framework recognises the strategic importance of Drogheda and aims to support its development and its economic potential as part of the Dublin-Belfast Corridor and in particular the core Drogheda-Dundalk-Newry network. Drogheda’s role is reflected at a regional level in the Regional Spatial and Economic Strategy (RSES) for the Eastern and Midland Regional Assembly (EMRA) area. The RSES targets significant growth into the regional growth centres, including Drogheda, to enable them to act as regional drivers. In 2021 both Meath and Louth County Councils adopted new Development Plans which further underline the importance of Drogheda as a key urban centre in both counties.