CHAPTER 15: THE CONCEPT OF A REGION – SOCIO-ECONOMIC REGIONS
access to a large market and EU membership. Many foreign firms outside the EU used Ireland’s EU membership as an entry point to the large EU market.
Plans to overcome the challenge of industrial decline Plans have been put in place to overcome industrial decline and promote Drogheda as a modern business and retail centre.
1. The Business Park The Industrial Development Authority (IDA) has built a Business and Technology Park close to the M1 Motorway. An impressive business infrastructure, good supply of labour and easy access to Dublin and Belfast help to make Drogheda an ideal location for investment by multinational companies.
2. The River Boyne The Boyne is playing an important role in the redevelopment of Drogheda. The derelict buildings of the old oil and cake mills have been redeveloped and turned into a new shopping centre. New apartments have been built beside the Boyne and a new bridge has been placed over the river. Green areas beside the river have been cultivated and redeveloped for recreation (e.g. walking paths have been placed alongside the river).
Fig. 7 Drogheda is now promoted as a business and retail centre.
3. Retail centre Drogheda became a retail centre with the opening of the M1 retail park in 2005. Two new shopping centres, a new hotel and conference centre also opened. These provide the services and employment needed in this rapidly growing satellite town.
Modern advantages favouring Drogheda as an industrial location Road Links: Drogheda is located on the M1 motorway linking Dublin and Belfast.
Rail: Drogheda is on the Dublin/Belfast rail line. Freight services including container and refrigerated transport and heavy haulage facilities are available in the area.
Air: Dublin Airport is 30 minutes from Drogheda by motorway. The airport provides connections to all major European and North American centres.