Edward Holdings has submitted a planning application for 'Phase 2' of the Southbank regeneration in Drogheda.

The €200m plans include one of Ireland's tallest buildings - with 25 residential floors - a state-of-the art conference centre, spa, eight screen cinema and provision for additional retail and commercial accommodation. Also incorporated is an extension of the four-star hotel in neighbouring Scotch Hall, adding a further 60 rooms.

The scheme also includes a new bridge to ease local traffic congestion and complete the integration of the south and north sides of the Boyne in Drogheda. The bridge will connect the Dublin Road on the south side of the river to the historic commercial hub on the north, crossing over Marsh Road and bypassing the bottlenecks of Mary's Bridge and the Bullring.

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The extension of Scotch Hall outside of the historic City Walls will mean that further stretch of riverside walkway can be opened up for pedestrian use.

Gerry Barrett of Edward Holdings said: "Scotch Hall has already given back to the people of Drogheda an important stretch of its historic riverside, and Southbank will continue this trend. Together the two developments, with their twin bridges, will make it easier for people to use facilities both side of the river.

"Scotch Hall and Southbank will between them deliver quayside pedestrian walkways of around 400 metres, lined with cafes, bars and other facilities. The riverside, so long the industrial heart of Drogheda where generations worked and toiled, will now become a place to linger and enjoy."

The new bridge will not only complete the integration of the two sides of the river in Drogheda which have been separate, but also improve access to the M1 motorway, cutting down the journey time between the north side of Drogheda and Dublin.

It is hoped Drogheda's role as one of the most 'significant urban hubs' in the north Dublin corridor will be significantly enhanced by the Southbank regeneration.

(GK/JM)