The much delayed plan to provide a shopping centre on the site of the former Drogheda Grammar School has taken yet another turn with the lodging of a planning application this week. Parolen Ltd is seeking permission for a 34,000 sq ft supermarket, a 34,500 sq ft drapery store and 52 units of shops with a total floor area of almost 80,000 sq ft.

Permission is also being sought to convert the former Methodist Church to a three-level restaurant and to provide a 500-space multi-storey car park as well as a community hall, health clinic, and credit union offices. The planning application provides for the rebuilding of the facades of the buildings formerly known as the Clarke Freeschool and Singleton townhouse.