Success of Slane bypass should serve as a ‘blueprint for Ardee’

By Olivia Ryan, The Drogheda Independent

The success of the Slane bypass campaign could be replicated in Ardee, according to one Louth councillor who called for a local public forum to be set up.

There were celebrations in the County Meath town last week when a long awaited bypass of Slane was given the green light by An Coimisiún Pleanála.

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

Local councillors aired their concerns at the delay in advancing the bypass in Ardee at the monthly meeting of the Municipal District.

Cllr. Pearse McGeough called for a public forum to be set up for “those of us who support the bypass.”

His calls were seconded by Independent Councillor, Jim Tenanty.

"We saw the success of the group in Slane,” he added, saying that all relevant stakeholders could be invited to join the forum.

Cathaoirleach, Cllr. Dolores Minogue, suggested councillors meet to discuss arrangements for a forum.

“Fair play to Slane, it is great news, but if their bypass goes ahead my concern would be that all of the traffic might end up going through Ardee.”

Cllr. McGeough added that it was important for the views of the public in Ardee to be heard.

Councillors agreed to look at securing a date and venue for a meeting.

Speaking after the monthly meeting, Cllr. John Sheridan added that the N2 bypass is also a vital project for Ardee and the mid-Louth area. "With the news this week of the green light from An Coimisiuin Pleanála for Slane to be bypassed on the N2, the need for similar for Ardee will be required. That isn't just about infrastructure for cross-country traffic, its also about housing delivery and allowing Ardee to grow.”

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Service