Contractor for Ardee Castle project set to be appointed by end of year

Local Fine Gael TD, Fergus O’Dowd and Ardee Municipal Cathaoirleach, Cllr Dolores Minogue, have welcomed an update received which indicates that the tender for the long awaited €2.1m Ardee Castle Project is expected to be advertised in July and a contractor is expected to be appointed by the end of 2023.

In a response received from the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys, the Minister indicated that the project is estimated to have a 12 month construction period.

Deputy O’Dowd said: “We want to see Ardee Castle become a national tourist destination located in the heart of Ardee, which will bring footfall, investment and much needed jobs.

“There is so much to be positive about in Ardee, the government is supporting a number of large scale projects including the new St Joseph’s Hospital which is well underway, the new Ardee Educate Together School which will commence imminently, the new ambulance base alongside a number of excellent new housing schemes."

Cllr Dolores Minogue added: “There have been significant delays due to the national monument status of the building but we are delighted that this vital project is now close to commencement.

“This will improve the lives of people in the town and surrounding areas and will give the centre of town a vocal point for trade and tourism.

“We are now eagerly awaiting the outcome of the legal case which will decide if the Ardee Bypass will progress, both myself and Deputy O’Dowd have worked tirelessly to get the project for Ardee and I hope we will have a positive outcome.”