The Port Access Northern Cross Route (PANCR) provides a critical piece of infrastructure to Drogheda, opening up the northern part of the town for development and allowing thousands of new homes to be built.
In 2021, Castlethorn acquired a large land bank north of the busy commuter town of Drogheda and began construction of a long-awaited orbital road. Up to this point, and despite a huge demand for housing, development in the area had been hindered by inadequate utilities and a lack of proper road infrastructure.
Castlethorn worked in partnership with Louth County Council to deliver the first phase of the much-anticipated Port Access Northern Cross Route (PANCR), and put together an innovative funding mechanism with the Housing Infrastructure Services Company (HISCo). The project involved the construction of carriageway and roundabouts, along with upgrade, realignment and reconstruction works to existing roads.
The official sod-turning took place in February 2023 and the road opened in March 2024. This crucial piece of infrastructure kickstarted the development of new homes in the area, and first occupations have already taken place. In addition to the 1,250 Castlethorn units, the project has paved the way for up to 5,000 new homes to be built in North Drogheda.
“This is a critical piece of infrastructure for the North East Region. It will ensure better connectivity for North Drogheda and allow for thousands of homes to be built.”