A BORD Pleanala hearing into proposals for a shopping centre and multi-storey car park on the site of the old Drogheda Grammar School has been told a lane parallel to the site could contain medieval archaeological evidence.
The Freeschool Lane runs along the west side of the derelict site in the Co Louth town. The original building was demolished in 1989 and the then site owners found themselves subject to a High Court action. It ordered that any future development retain the original 18th-century facade.
Earlier this year, Drogheda Corporation granted planning permission to Parolen Ltd to develop the site at an estimated cost of £16 million. It is proposed to develop 24 shopping units on the ground level off St Laurence's Street. The development would also incorporate Drogheda credit union which borders the eastern side of the site. A three-storey car park is also planned.
However, six parties appealed that decision and the oral hearing presently underway in Drogheda is expected to last until tomorrow.
Mr Simon Clear, a board inspector, is chairing the proceedings and most of yesterday's session was spent discussing the impact the development would have on the Freeschool Lane. Mr Reg Chandler, agent for Parolen, acknowledged that the lane, which is now used by pedestrians, would have a traffic flow if the project went ahead.
Mr Oliver Crawley, on behalf of some shop owners, said proposals to build 14 steps on the lane going from the street to the car park would attract "winos" to the area.
He expressed surprise when a representative from Drogheda Corporation said the three premises had been listed under the Derelict Sites Act. Responding to concerns about security raised by the Louth Archaeological Society, the developers said the shopping centre would have 24-hour security and close-circuit television.