Of particular concern to local residents has been the lack of any transparency and meaningful discussion with the communities that would be affected. For the average resident in the area, the apparent decision-making process was conducted behind closed doors with a number of selected public representatives. This process reflects a complete disregard for the voices and democratic rights of those who would bear the consequences of this proposed project both now and in the future. It is completely unacceptable that such a significant undertaking would be considered without prior detailed discussions and consultations with those communities which would be directly impacted.

The proposed project not only jeopradises the environment and natural beauty of the area, but will also destroy the rich historical landscape and heritage. In addition to the numerous known protected archaeological sites in the area, this historical landscape also contains unexcavated and undocumented neolithic sites. The potential destruction of important archaeological sites, both onshore and potentially underwater, demonstrates a reckless disregard for our collective past and any additional understanding of the historical narrative of this island. Future generations have a right to inherit a landscape which can in due course be excavated and researched to enrich this narrative.

With the launch of the port project proposal, it has become abundantly clear now that Drogheda Port and Ronan Group Real Estate have maintained close contact with Meath County Council and certain politicians to facilitate a port in this part of the county. There is on the face of it nothing untoward with this, but this facilitation has had devastating consequences for the residents of Gormanston. We have endured decades of inaction resulting in the lack of provision of basic infrastructure. Many people will be astounded to learn that Gormanston Beach is not a ‘designated’ beach meaning among other things that it is not officially a beach and therefore the waters are not officially tested and the results published. We have called for the beach to be designated each year but to no avail. We have often wondered when neighbouring beaches are closed due to pollution that our beach was never included. It has only happened in 2023 that an official notice was put on our beach due to contamination. This is but one symptom of the fallout from the ambition of Drogheda Port and Ronan Group to develop and port and lands here.