A new shared meeting space in the heart of Drogheda was officially opened today.
The multi-functional plaza on Peter's Hill features a sculpture of two birds and public seating, boasting a great view over the town and the historic site of Millmount.
The plaza received funding from the European Union’s Peace IV Programme and was supported by Louth County Council and Louth Local Comunity Development Committee
The Peace Programme is designed to enhance cross-border co-operation, promote reconciliation and create a more peaceful and prosperous society.
The project also received funding from the Executive Office in Northern Ireland and the Department for Rural and Community Development in Ireland.
The artwork by sculptor Michael Disley is entitled "inspired to meet" and shows two spires set apart with a large bird on top of each one.
The design of the spires echo the large stone pillars of the gateway, while also reflecting the proximity of the two St Peter’s Churches in the town.
Louth County Council said that the result of this design is "a meeting between the two birds with the image celebrating both peace and meetings".
It is envisaged that Peters Hill will be a cross-community and cross-border shared space, symbolising the reconciliation between communities on the island.
Chief Executive of Louth County Council Joan Martin said that Peace Programme provided funding for shared spaces, that belong to everyone and no-one.
"This is a place where people can meet, whether it’s two women meeting up to stop and have a cup of coffee, whether it’s a group of children singing and dancing. It’s for casual or formal events, a new open space in the centre of Drogheda for everyone", she said.
Ms Martin described the sculpture as "two little birds having a natter" and said that reflected the purpose of the shared space as a place to meet people.
She said the location had one of the "most important views in Drogheda", looking straight over Mill Mount.
"That’s a very historic site going back to Norman times, topped with a British army fortification. So that’s very appropriate in the context of the British history in Ireland and the Peace Programme", she said.
At the launch today, there were performances from a local choir and dance troupe to showcase how the plaza can be used in the future.
