Drogheda Ógra Shinn Fein demand recreational facilities for youth of the area

Yesterday, Sunday 19th august Drogheda Ógra Shinn Féin were present at the brief visit of a mobile skateboard park to the town centre. Unfortunately this skateboard park was only made available for 3 hours and while it was highly enjoyable for the youth of the area, it was unfortunately short-lived.



Over three years ago Sinn Fein councillors put a motion before Drogheda Borough council calling for the provision within the town of a skateboard park. A detailed proposal was put forward which would see Louth county council fund the park with insurance paid for under a government funded scheme. A design for a suitable structure made of concrete and steel was included. Such a design would have had the advantage of needing very little maintenance and Sinn Fein also proposed that a local business be approached to sponsor the project. All in the entire project would have been completed in six months.

The proposal was rejected by Labour, Fianna Fail and Fine Gael whom at the time said they would bring forward their own proposals which have yet to be seen.

Yesterday Drogheda Ógra Shinn Féin spoke with parents and young people present at the fly-by-night skateboard park and distributed a leaflet detailing why Drogheda council has not made provisions of a skateboard park for the youth of the area.

Speaking on the day Drogheda Ógra spokesperson Áine Ni Dhubháin said:

“Drogheda town is in great need for recreational facilities for young people. Though playgrounds are being provided for younger children it is essential that there are also facilities for teenagers. Provision of recreational facilities is recognised as playing an important role on diverting teenagers from drinking and involvement in anti-social behaviour. Once again the needs of the young people of the area are being ignored. We in Ógra Shinn Fein are demanding a revisiting of the proposal by the council and for the needs of Drogheda’s young people to be met.”