Dunnes Stores to Reopen Historic West Street Store: A Major Win for Drogheda’s Town Centre
Drogheda’s retail landscape is receiving a significant boost this week with the announcement that Dunnes Stores will reopen its historic premises on West Street. The decision marks a pivotal moment for the town’s commercial heart after a period of uncertainty following the store’s surprise closure several months ago.
The Return of a Retail Giant to West Street
After a sudden closure that left many residents in shock, Dunnes Stores is preparing to resume trading on West Street within weeks. While the company provided no initial reason for the closure—which saw some staff transferred to the Scotch Hall location—the retail giant is now investing in the site’s future.
The decision to reopen comes from Dunnes Stores boss Margaret Heffernan. Returning to lead the business following the recent death of her husband, Heffernan has expressed a strong commitment to the Drogheda operation and a determination to spot the West Street store thrive once again. Current reports indicate that refurbishment work is already underway on the premises to prepare for the relaunch.
A Legacy Tied to Drogheda’s History
The West Street store isn’t just a commercial hub; it’s a piece of the company’s heritage. Established in the early 1960s by founder Ben Dunne Snr, this location was one of the first stores the company opened outside of Dublin and Cork. The connection to the town runs deep, as Ben Dunne Snr worked in an Anderson shop in Drogheda as a young man before building his retail empire.
Economic Impact and Community Advocacy
The closure of the store had a tangible impact on local shopping habits, with many loyal customers shifting their business to Tesco. The reopening is expected to reverse this trend and provide a “massive boost” to West Street and surrounding traders.
The return of the store also follows a concerted effort by local leadership. Mayor Michelle Hall and several other politicians had written to Dunnes Stores, urging the company to reconsider its decision to exit the West Street location.
Part of a Broader Town Centre Revival
The return of Dunnes Stores coincides with a larger push to revitalize Drogheda’s town centre. Several key initiatives are currently underway to drive footfall and investment back into the area:
- West Gate House Regeneration: Work is advancing on a €7 million project to transform West Gate House and the former Drogheda Youth Development building into a multi-functional cultural and community hub. Funded via the THRIVE programme and led by Shaffrey Architects, the project has recently received Ministerial Consent for structural safeguarding works.
- Local Entrepreneurship: The town’s food scene is expanding, with chefs like David Garvey bringing Michelin-level experience to the street food scene at Graft @ Brú Hub on Old Abbey Lane.
- Strategic Planning: There have been recent pushes for a new West Street forum specifically designed to kick-start the revival of the town centre.
Key Takeaways: Dunnes Stores Reopening
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Timeline | Expected to reopen within weeks |
| Key Decision Maker | Margaret Heffernan |
| Historical Significance | One of the first stores outside Dublin/Cork (est. Early 1960s) |
| Current Status | Premises undergoing refurbishment |
The reopening of Dunnes Stores serves as a catalyst for West Street, signaling a renewed confidence in Drogheda’s retail sector. Combined with significant infrastructure investments like West Gate House, the town is positioning itself for a comprehensive commercial and cultural recovery.
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