1. Changing Urban Functions
Drogheda, Co. Louth

3. Functions R I C E P O T S Res/ Rel/ Rec Industrial Commercial
Educational
Port
Open spaces
Transport/ tourism
Service

4. Examples of Urban Functions visible on maps/ photos
Recreational; pools, parks, golf courses, marinas.
Commercial; shopping centres, shop fronts, market squares.
Ports; cranes, containers, large ships, marinas.
Services; hospitals, garda stations, government offices.
Open spaces; car parks, playing fields, river/ mountain walks.

5. Drogheda’s Functions Multifunctional Transport Residential Industrial
Retail
Port
Religious
Educational

6. History In the past Drogheda had an important defence function.
Port was the most important function in the past.
It was the basis of Drogheda’s industrial function.
Industries included ironworks, shipbuilding, shoe-makers, oil and cake mills, textiles.

9. History World famous textile industry. Yarn and linen mills.
Raw cotton imported, then spun and bleached in Drogheda.
Mills had closed by the early 20th century.
However world famous Greenhills towel and sheet factory remained opened.

11. Brannigans Weavers

12. 1970’s and 1980’s Decline in industry
Industries had become uncompetitive on the world market.
High unemployment
Derelict, rundown factories, were a blight on the landscape.
Some were demolished and sites used as carparks.

13. 1990’s onwards Celtic Tiger National investment policies EU grants
Development of transport infrastructure; (trains, roads, bypasses,Boyne river bridge)
Commuter town

14. Boyne River Bridge

15. 1990’s Large industry; Becton Dickinson (medical syringes)
Many industries; Flogas, Natures Best, Boyne Valley Foods.
Derelict industrial sites redeveloped into apartments, hotels, conference centre and two new shopping centres.

17. Tourism Tourism function is important to the area.
Good transport links and accommodation.
Many attractions;
Newgrange
The Battle of the Boyne site
Monasterboice High Crosses and Tower

19. Changing Functions Defence is a past function.
Importance of the port function has declined.

20. Exam Question
Explain how the functions and services of urban centres can change over time. (30 marks)