Cllr Nash welcomes major investment for Dundalk in Louth County Budget 2026

Cathaoirleach of Dundalk Municipal District, Fine Gael's Cllr Robert Nash, has welcomed a significant investment earmarked for Dundalk under Louth County Council’s 2026 Budget, which includes a wide range of capital projects planned over the next three years.

At last week’s budget meeting, Louth County Council outlined details of its multi-year capital programme, confirming continued emphasis on housing while also allocating substantial funding to roads, town initiatives, public buildings, operations, recreation and amenity, climate action, environmental protection, and measures to address surface water flooding and coastal erosion.

Cllr Nash said he was pleased to see progress on a number of issues he has repeatedly raised with council officials in recent years.

“As a member of the newly formed St Patrick's Graveyard Working Committee, I’m delighted to see funding assigned for improvements at Dowdallshill Cemetery,” he said.

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“Our committee recently met with local undertakers, who outlined their key concerns. While the allocated funding won’t resolve every issue, it will substantially address the most pressing needs. My colleague, Cllr Marianne Butler, has long advocated for the construction of a columbarium wall at Dowdallshill, and I am hopeful that this project will now move forward in the coming months.”

Cllr Nash also welcomed investment in Blackrock, funded directly through development levies, including the long-awaited completion of the Rock Road footpath.

“A footpath on the Rock Road is something I have strongly advocated for since being co-opted in 2023. It was also a priority for my predecessor, Cllr Maria Doyle, who worked tirelessly to complete phase one of the project,” he said.

“Although phases two and three were delayed, through no fault of her own, I am delighted that the project will now recommence. Engagement with the local community will of course be essential before works begin, but today’s announcement is a very positive step.”

He further welcomed Louth County Council’s commitment to implementing additional safety measures at Sexton’s Junction on the Old Dublin Road. “This junction has been a major concern for me and other councillors in recent months, so I am very pleased to see plans for road safety improvements progressing,” he added.

Additional commitments include:

• A new AstroTurf surface for Muirhevnamor
• Investment to maintain and improve the Ramparts River
• Funding for the design phase of the Navy Bank/Point Road project
• Continued consultation on the Muirhevnamor Park Masterplan

“For a long time I have said that the Navy Bank is one of Dundalk’s most valuable amenities, used by hundreds of people every day,” Cllr Nash said. “It has enormous untapped potential, and I am delighted that funding for a project design has been secured. This is an important first step toward an ambitious long-term masterplan.”

Cllr Nash concluded by welcoming what he said is Louth County Council’s continued commitment to delivering improvements that enhance safety, quality of life, and long-term development for the people of Dundalk, but he added however:

"I still feel strongly that further investment is still needed in older housing estates in our town, including additional playgrounds, development of green areas and improved community facilities". Cllr Nash reaffirmed his commitment to continue support local communities anyway he can in the future.