Drogheda businessman John Pentony is to build a two-lane bridge over the River Boyne in Drogheda at a cost of £2.5 million to facilitate the development of a multistorey car-park, shopping units and homes on both sides of the river. The bridge will be built near the MacDonald restaurant along the existing Drogheda by-pass and will carry traffic on to the town side of the river, where 350 car-parking spaces are to be provided.

The Haymarket scheme will have almost 25,000 sq ft of retail space on both sides of the river. Stephen Desmond of Sullivan Property Consultants is quoting rents of £25 to £30 for the 15 shops, which should appeal to a wide range of traders. He says there has been no increase in shop units in the town centre despite the population increase over the past few years. The development will also include 24 townhouses and eight apartments with superb views over the Boyne.