A new campaign wants Drogheda to be recognised as Ireland's 'sixth city' based on population growth.

Census figures show the population of the greater Drogheda area has risen to over 67,000.

This includes populations from both Drogheda and East Meath, with campaigners describing Drogheda as a 'transboundary' city.

An urban centre is defined as a density of at least 1,500 residents per square kilometre, and a total population of at least 50,000.

Source: Drogheda City Status Group

This criteria is supported by both the EU and the OECD.

Chairperson of the Drogheda City Status Group, Anna McKenna, told Newstalk Breakfast city status would simplify governance.

"If Drogheda was listed as a city, we would have so many benefits to it," she said.

"We would have our own administration, our own governance; at the moment we're governed by two county councils - one in Meath and one in Louth.

"We're falling between the two stools, and it's not helping us [in] any way.

"We can't make our own decisions regarding anything".

'Drogheda is going to become a city'

Ms McKenna said the next steps are already being looked at.

"Yesterday there was a meeting in the CSO regarding how they're going to work out how Drogheda could become a city," she said.

"One of the reasons is the agglomeration of East Meath with Drogheda... they used to do that on a grid of 100 metres - now they've changed it to 250 metres, which is good for us.

"If it's followed through like that, it would look as if Drogheda is going to become a city.

"Then it goes to the politicians and it's up to the political establishment to follow on".

City density across Europe. Source: European Commission

Ms McKenna said she believes Drogheda has been neglected for several years.

"It's important to acknowledge potential challenges that comes with it," she said.

"A transition to a city would indeed come with increased competition and the need for careful resource management.

"[It] would need to have the proper planning and collaboration, and that all comes with the administration and the governance.

"Until we get that, Drogheda's still going to be the hidden city, or the neglected city.

"Drogheda's been neglected for so many years now.

"Money hasn't been put, resources haven't been put into Drogheda: there's no IDA in Drogheda, there's no State agencies in Drogheda.

"It's been overlooked by all those things, and yet it has come on the way it has come on," she added.

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Main image: The Hugh De Lacy Bridge over the River Boyne in Drogheda, Co Louth in September 2014. Picture by: Ian Dagnall / Alamy Stock Photo