Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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206. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government if he will provide an update on the long-awaited and much-delayed Westgate vision plan for Drogheda; the expected key project timeline; the expected cost of the initial proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59941/22]

Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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Under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund’s (URDF) first call for proposals, €476,000 was allocated to Louth County Council for the provision of technical assistance, including project management, concept development, feasibility and detailed design and planning, associated with their “Westgate Vision” project. In 2022, the allocation was increased to €608,052 to cover costs associated with the preparation of additional environmental reports.

While my Department works closely with the successful applicants in respect of project funding, responsibility for the advancement of URDF supported projects through the various stages of planning, development and completion is, in the first instance, a matter for the Sponsoring Agency, in this case Louth County Council.

Officials from my Department met recently with Louth County Council and I understand the local authority is currently preparing Environmental Impact Assessment, Appropriate Assessment and Natura Impact Statement reports, with a view to making an application to An Bord Pleanála for planning permission in early 2023. Whilst progression of the project remains a matter for Louth County Council any application for further funding support in response to a call for projects under the URDF by my Department will receive due consideration.