Residents appeal to Louth County Council for ‘open dialogue’ over Dundalk Fire Station plans
Residents of a housing development adjacent to Dundalk Fire Station have raised concerns about potential expansion of the site and the impact it could have on their community, as they called for “meaningful engagement” with Louth County Council.
Earlier this month, Louth County Council was allocated €5 million to redevelop Dundalk Fire Station as part of a wider €14 million investment in the county’s fire and rescue services.
However, Meadow Grove Residents Association, whose estate adjoins Dundalk Fire Station, have said local people want an “open dialogue” with the local authority before any redevelopment or expansion plans progress.
Spokesman Shane Reenan said residents welcomed the investment, describing it as “a very positive and long overdue development” for both the fire service and the wider community.
“For over 40 years, Meadow Grove residents have lived side by side with Dundalk Fire and Rescue Service in a spirit of mutual respect and pride,” he said. “Many of us grew up seeing firefighters respond from their homes, watching crews mobilise at all hours — an experience that fostered deep respect for the service and those who serve in it.”
However, Mr Reenan said residents were concerned about what he described as “a lack of meaningful engagement” with those living in almost 100 homes in the estate.
He added that residents have “already found themselves maintaining boundaries, managing access issues, and dealing with increased activity without formal consultation or support”.
“As this important development progresses, open dialogue between local authorities, the fire service, and the community is essential,” Mr Reenan said.
He stressed that residents were not opposed to the redevelopment. “We are not opposing progress — far from it. We want to see Dundalk Fire Station thrive. But we are asking for inclusion, communication, and partnership, so that the development can proceed in a way that respects both operational needs and the wellbeing of the established community.”
Mr Reenan also said there is now a second generation of residents in Meadow Grove who want to revitalise community spirit, with a focus on biodiversity, green spaces and digital community initiatives.
“Meadow Grove has supported the fire service for decades,” he said. “We now ask that this support is reflected through proper engagement as this project moves forward.”
In response, Louth County Council issued the following statement:
"The proposed development of Dundalk Fire Station is currently at an early stage with funds only recently allocated by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
“In line with statutory planning requirements, Louth County Council will progress the project through a full Part 8 public consultation process once the design proposals are sufficiently developed. This will include the publication of initial plans and will provide an opportunity for members of the public and elected members to make submissions or observations, all of which will be carefully considered before any decision is taken.
“The Council recognises the importance of this project and is committed to open and transparent engagement with local residents and other stakeholders as the process moves forward.”