Supreme Court to rule on Ardee Bypass

Commencement on the long awaited Ardee Bypass has hit another stumbling block, following the news that a fresh legal challenge has been lodged against a November High Court ruling.

Louth County Council has confirmed, that it was informed that an application to the Supreme Court has been lodged for Leave to Appeal in respect to the High Court decision delivered in 2024 that refused the applicant’s application for a Judicial Review regarding the decision of An Bord Pleanála (EIA and AA Screening decisions) and the N52 Ardee Bypass.

A spokesperson for Louth County Council said that, “unfortunately, this now means that the proposed N52 Ardee Bypass project will continue to remain in abeyance until such time as this legal process is fully exhausted, and the Council must await the outcome of same.”

Environmental group, Friends of Ardee Bog, had sought leave to appeal a High Court ruling in May, which re fused their application for a judicial review. The legal challenge related to An Bord Pleanála's decision that neither an Environmental Impact Assessment Report nor a Natura Impact Statement are required for the bypass that would cross Ardee Bog. In November, the High Court rejected the legal challenge in its entirety.

The planned bypass has been seen by many in Ardee as being critical infrastructure to help ease traffic congestion through the mid-Louth town. News of the Supreme Court challenge has been met with dismay by Ardee's Cllr Dolores Minogue, who shared her views on the latest legal challenge with the Dundalk Democrat.

The Fine Gael councillor said that: “I understand that there are differing opinions on the proposed bypass, but I strongly disagree with the decision to take this issue to the Supreme Court. This project is essential for addressing the growing traffic problems in our area, improving safety, and supporting the local economy. 

“Delaying or halting its progress could have severe repercussions for our community, including increased congestion, longer travel times, and a lack of necessary infrastructure.”

Cllr Minogue added that, “while I respect the right to raise concerns, I believe that blocking the bypass would ultimately harm us in the long run, and we should prioritise the needs of our community over further legal delays.”