Talks are underway to reopen a Drogheda sports stadium.

New town mayor Michael O'Dowd has proposed the Lourdes athletics and sport stadium be opened swiftly.

"The first call I made the morning after my election was to Joe Coyle who is one of the most respected individuals in the region when it comes to athletics," said the mayor.

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"I have asked Joe to give us the benefit of his advice and experience on the best options for the stadium going forward and I plan to set up a small committee that will report to the full council within a short space of time.

"Funding is obviously the major issue but that needs to met head on and sources other than Government funding need to be identified. It may also be a case of having an interim running surface put into the stadium prior to having an international standard surface.

'The moth balls need to be thrown off and we need life, activity and sport back in the natural home of athletics in the town," he added.

(PR/JM)