Fears raised that Ardee Castle refurbishment is facing further delays
The long‑awaited refurbishment of Ardee Castle appears to be facing yet another setback, after the expected March start date passed without any sign of work beginning, councillors heard at this month’s Ardee Municipal District meeting.
Cllr Jim Tenanty said the previously confirmed commencement date of 23 March had “not taken place”, despite assurances at last month’s meeting that contractors would be on site.
He asked officials whether a new start date had now been set, “or will it be put on hold like everything else?”
Councillors were originally told in October 2025 that work on the historic landmark would begin before Christmas. That was later pushed back to March, and members are now awaiting a new commencement date.
Louth County Council signed a construction contract in January with Francis Haughey Construction Ireland Limited, paving the way for the long‑planned regeneration of the 15th‑century tower house — considered the largest fortified medieval townhouse in Ireland.
The project, expected to take around 18 months, includes structural conservation, full refurbishment of the castle, the adjoining bridewell building and courtyard area, and improved public access across all four floors.
The scheme is also intended to link the newly refurbished castle into the wider Ardee 2040 regeneration plan
The project is being funded jointly by Louth County Council and the Department of Rural and Community Development through the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF).