In March 2024, Castlethorn proudly marked a significant milestone in Irish infrastructure with the completion of Phase One of the Port Access Northern Cross Route (PANCR) in Drogheda. More than just a road, this transformative project lays the foundation for the development of up to 5,000 new homes in North Drogheda—an initiative that stands to reshape the region’s housing landscape and support compact, sustainable growth.
The PANCR project is a powerful example of what can be achieved through visionary planning and collaborative delivery, and it has already received national recognition for its Award-Winning Impact—most notably at the 2024 Irish Construction Excellence (ICE) Awards, where it received the Judges Silver Award for infrastructure excellence.
Delivering Connectivity and Capacity
The Port Access Northern Cross Route is a 4km route that improves connectivity between Drogheda Port and the M1 motorway. It comprises:
- 2km of newly constructed road, and
- 2km of upgraded existing road infrastructure
This critical corridor not only eases congestion and improves freight access but also opens previously inaccessible lands to residential development. With this infrastructure in place, the next phase of Drogheda’s growth can begin—one focused on creating high-quality homes in well-connected, livable communities.
HISCo: A Funding Model for the Future
The PANCR project was made possible through an innovative collaboration between Castlethorn, Louth County Council, and the Housing Infrastructure Services Company (HISCo). HISCo plays a unique role in unlocking housing supply across Ireland by funding enabling infrastructure—like roads and utilities—that are essential to residential development but traditionally difficult to finance.
HISCo recovers its investment through a deducted infrastructure fee on the first sale or letting of each new home within the serviced lands. This model, successfully implemented through PANCR, offers a scalable and replicable blueprint for infrastructure-led housing development across the country.
It’s a model supported by public and private entities alike, with shareholders including the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF) and Cork County Council.
Castlethorn’s Role: Enabling Community Growth
Castlethorn has long been recognised for its commitment to creating thriving, well-integrated communities. Our role in delivering the PANCR project reflects this philosophy—providing not just homes, but the infrastructure needed to support sustainable and long-term community development.
This strategic route will enable future Castlethorn developments, such as in the Ballymakenny area, to proceed in a coordinated and responsible way. With land now made accessible and infrastructure in place, we can begin shaping a new residential chapter for Drogheda—one that balances housing supply with thoughtful urban planning.
A Foundation for 5,000 New Homes—and More
The completion of the Port Access Northern Cross Route is a clear demonstration of how collaboration, innovation, and strategic investment can unlock opportunity—not just for developers, but for communities.
With up to 5,000 new homes made possible by this infrastructure, the PANCR marks a turning point for Drogheda’s growth, and a case study for public-private partnerships that truly deliver. Castlethorn is proud to have played a key role in this achievement, and we remain committed to building sustainable communities that meet Ireland’s future housing needs.
Interested in learning more about Castlethorn’s work in Drogheda? Explore our current developments or contact us for updates on upcoming phases.
