‘I’m getting ambushed:’ Ardee Cathaoirleach says as row erupts over bypass forum

By Olivia Ryan, The Drogheda Independent

A row erupted at the December meeting of Ardee councillors over calls for a public meeting to be held on the stalled N52 bypass project.

Cllr. Pearse McGeough told councillors: "I feel that those who oppose the bypass have all their ducks in a row, while those who are for the bypass, which is the vast majority of citizens of this area, lack a forum to show their support for the bypass.”

The mid-Louth councillor said he had submitted a motion to the Municipal District, calling for a public meeting to be held with a view to setting up a forum.

Proposals for the N52 Ardee bypass project, which have been in the pipeline for many years, are currently delayed due to legal objections lodged by a local lobby group.

“We just can’t wait until the Supreme Court makes their determination, and my suggestion has been, since April, that we have a public meeting to set up a forum to facilitate everybody who is in favour of the bypass.”

Cllr. Jim Tenanty seconded the proposal for a public meeting to be held.

"We are getting it from every angle, from businesspeople to the pedestrians on the street.”

He added that the message “avoid Ardee at all costs” was being shared across the country, as people learn of the traffic gridlock in the town.

"Ardee has a horrible association with traffic congestion. It may not alleviate all the problems, but the bypass is essential to this town to enable it to grow.”

He added that a public meeting would allow locals to “have their say” and give councillors an opportunity “to tell people that we are trying our best, but because of legalities and objections” the bypass has not been advanced.

Cathaoirleach, Cllr. Dolores Minogue, said that she would be “reluctant” to hold a public meeting.

"I would be terrified that we would jeopardise an outcome on what is badly needed, the Ardee bypass.”

"We have to do everything right, we have to have good governance. Everyone wants this bypass, the traders, the residents, councillors. It is the answer for our town, but I don’t want to jeopardise a positive outcome, so on that note I won’t facilitate a public meeting or chair one.”

Cllr. McGeough said the issue “isn’t whether the Cathaoirleach wants, likes or dislikes, or doesn’t want to do it.”

The Cathaoirleach said Cllr. McGeough should withdraw the statement as, she added “it isn’t that I don’t want to.”

Cllr. Tenanty added that standing orders indicated the calls for a public meeting should be acted on.

"When the members of any group have a motion passed to mandate the Cathaoirleach to hold a public meeting, she or he has to do that,” said Cllr. McGeough.

Cllr. Minogue repeated her concerns that a public meeting could put at risk the outcome of the current legal proceedings.

The Cathaoirleach said she would review the standing orders, adding: "I’m getting ambushed.”

But Cllr. Tenanty said it was up to her as Chair to arrange a public meeting, at which point she could withdraw her support.

He said she had been asked at a number of different meetings of the Municipal District to arrange a venue for a public meeting

Cllr. Rachel Kerley said it was obvious councillors had no role in the Supreme Court process, but asked if there was some mechanism in the council where they could open up submissions to the public, and allow them to put forward solutions to the traffic gridlock in Ardee.

With no agreement reached, Director of Service, David Jones, suggested councillors arrange an “in committee” meeting to discuss a path forward.