Ardee 2040 project advances as council nears planning
By ArdeePost Reporter
Project Ardee 2040 takes step forward as Louth County Council prepares to submit long-awaited regeneration plan
The flagship Project Ardee 2040 is set to take a major step forward, with Louth County Council due to submit a planning application by the end of October, marking an important milestone in the long-anticipated transformation of the Mid-Louth town.
Details of the progress were outlined at the monthly meeting of Ardee Municipal District, where councillors heard that after years of planning, public consultation, and design development, the council is now ready to move to the formal planning stage.
“I know it has been a very long road, but we are due to submit a planning application this month,” said Senior Executive Engineer Olivia McCormack.
Ms. McCormack added that council engineers are currently working on the “final pieces” of the proposal, noting that discussions had taken place with councillors and local community groups regarding the memorial trees at the Railway Lands. A public notice is expected to issue next week outlining the proposed approach to this sensitive aspect of the plan.
The ambitious Ardee 2040 project forms part of Louth County Council’s wider vision to revitalise and future-proof the town, improving both its appearance and accessibility while creating new community and commercial opportunities.
The plan focuses on four key opportunity sites within the town:
- Main Street, the historic heart of Ardee;
- Ash Walk, which provides key pedestrian links;
- The Old Railway, earmarked for public amenity development; and
- Amenity lands to the east of the town, identified for open space and recreation improvements.
Work on developing the Project Ardee 2040 framework has been ongoing for several years, with the council conducting extensive public consultation with residents, business owners, community organisations, and local institutions.
Stakeholders such as retailers, senior citizens’ groups, sporting clubs, and voluntary associations have all contributed ideas aimed at ensuring the regeneration reflects the needs and identity of the town’s population.
When complete, Project Ardee 2040 is expected to enhance the town’s streetscape, boost economic activity, and improve quality of life for residents, positioning Ardee as a vibrant and sustainable regional hub within County Louth.
Further details of the planning submission are expected to be made public in the coming weeks, with formal public consultation to follow once the application is lodged.