The future of the long-awaited N52 Ardee Bypass project could become clearer by the end of next month, with a Supreme Court ruling expected in an appeal brought by a local environmental group opposed to the scheme.
Members of Ardee Municipal District heard this week that a decision is anticipated on October 27 in the appeal taken by Friends of Ardee Bog, following the dismissal of their judicial review challenge by the High Court in May 2024.
Providing an update to councillors, Louth County Council Senior Engineer John O’Hagan said the plaintiffs have been given until October 5 to submit the remaining documentation required by the court.
Following receipt of those submissions, Mr Justice Hogan has scheduled a hearing for Tuesday, October 27, when a ruling is expected.
Parties in the case were reported to have been given “ a rap on the knuckles” following delays in the submission of documentation. The court was said to be keen for the case to be “expedited” as soon as possible, councillors were told.
Cllr. Dolores Minogue asked if this will be a “ clear-cut yes or no” ruling.
The meeting heard that one day has been set aside for the case to be heard, and a decision is expected that day.
“I won’t even ask what happens if it is a no,” said Cllr. Minogue. “I’m going to remain positive on it, because we need it. As we can see the town is choked. I really don’t know how the traders are doing business.”
Cathaoirleach, Cllr. Jim Tenanty welcome the update, saying the biggest challenge facing Ardee was “traffic gridlock” which had an impact on many aspects of life in the town.
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme