Dear Sir/Madam

I was honoured to be appointed Peace Commission for Co Louth and adjoining counties in 1983 and I always considered East Meath as part of Drogheda.

As someone with a keen interest in the future of the people in the Greater Drogheda Region and the emerging city of Drogheda I take this opportunity to make a submission for consideration by the Electoral Commission.

Drogheda and East Meath is the fastest growing urban area in Ireland with a shared population of between 65,000/70,000 people.    This is recognized by many state bodies, including An Post, Irish Water, HSE, Education, Fire and Ambulance services.    One of the biggest hospitals in Ireland ie Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital services the people of Drogheda and East Meath and other outlying areas.

East Meath has always been considered part of Drogheda in many ways such as in the area of various sporting organizations.    Soccer teams from East Meath played in Drogheda and District Leagues, Bettystown Badminton Club played in Drogheda and District Leagues These are just a few examples of togetherness between people from Drogheda and East Meath

For the everyday person in Drogheda, the invisible line that separates Louth and Meath doesn’t factor in their lives.   Most of the residents from East Meath would see Drogheda as their town.   

It is critical in the interest going forward that people from Drogheda and East Meath are first and foremost considered when making a decision on constituencies and that the next generation will, by your decision, be given hope and faith in their future.    A future which holds many unknowns.

For the above reasons alone I believe it is critical to create a Drogheda and East Meath constituency.

Thank you for taking the time to read this submission and I trust you will take my views into consideration when making your decision.

Eugene McKenna