Reaction to Slane bypass approval – Safety, serenity and major economic benefits
Local representatives across Meath have welcomed the long-awaited planning approval for the Slane bypass, describing it as a major development for the village and its surrounding areas.
An Coimisiún Pleanála officially granted approval for the project yesterday, marking a major milestone after decades of campaigning. The decision clears the way for significant improvements in transport infrastructure, road safety, and public amenities in the region.
Chief Executive of Meath County Council, Kieran Kehoe, said the project will bring wide-ranging benefits, not only in terms of connectivity and safety, but also for the local economy and quality of life.
“This project will enhance Slane as a vibrant location for people to live, work and visit. While the new public realm enhancements and footway/cycleway will undoubtedly improve the health and wellbeing of all people living in the area, the proposed works will also have many economic benefits for the village,” Mr Kehoe said.
“Access to a more connected transport network that includes more reliable public transport, improved facilities for active travel and a new off-street car-park, will boost the local economy within Slane and enable businesses to flourish.”
The approved scheme includes a 3.5-kilometre dual carriageway bypass, featuring a 258-metre-long bridge over the River Boyne. It also incorporates public realm enhancements designed to improve accessibility, safety, and the overall visitor experience in the village.
Education Minister and Meath West TD Helen McEntee called the news “wonderful,” adding that it is the result of years of dedicated work from local campaigners and public representatives alike.
“It’s something that has been going on for years, that I have been working on, that my father before me had been so committed to, and so many others as well,” she said.
“I want to acknowledge residents of Slane and the surrounding areas who have campaigned to make our village safer. I look forward to seeing this project progress as quickly as possible.”
Meath East TD Thomas Byrne also welcomed the decision, saying: “This has been an incredibly long story… I’m glad it has happened now. The plan now is to make sure this decision stands and to make sure that the funding is provided to build this bypass in accordance with the planning permission.”
Cathaoirleach of Meath County Council, Councillor Wayne Harding, a long-time advocate for the project and a resident of Slane, described the announcement yesterday as “a great day” for the local community. He underscored the need for the bypass, pointing to decades of traffic congestion and tragic incidents on the village’s narrow streets.
Cllr Harding noted that 23 people have died on the stretch of road running through Slane, where heavy N2 traffic passes directly through the village centre.
Meanwhile, Navan Councillor Emer Tóibín highlighted the impact the decision will have on the daily lives of residents.
“Safety and serenity will return to Slane. Near every canvass we undertook in Slane was dominated by residents’ hope that the bypass application would finally deliver the right results for the community,” she said.
“With approval granted, that hope has become a reality.”