Ardee row erupts as Cathaoirleach resists call for bypass forum
By ArdeePost Reporter
Ardee Cathaoirleach Says ‘I’m Getting Ambushed’ as Row Erupts Over Bypass Forum
Chair fears public meeting could jeopardise legal proceedings
A heated row broke out at the December meeting of Ardee Municipal District councillors over renewed calls for a public meeting on the long-delayed N52 Ardee bypass. The dispute centred on whether elected members should convene a public forum while the project remains tied up in ongoing legal proceedings before the Supreme Court.
Call for Public Forum Sparks Tension
Mid-Louth councillor Pearse McGeough reignited the debate when he insisted the local community needed a space to show support for the bypass project, which he said enjoys “overwhelming” backing in Ardee and its surrounds.
“I feel that those who oppose the bypass have all their ducks in a row,” he said. “Meanwhile, the vast majority who support the bypass lack a forum to express that support.”
Cllr. McGeough said he had formally submitted a motion calling for a public meeting, with the goal of establishing an organised forum of residents and businesspeople in favour of the long-awaited infrastructure.
Proposals for the N52 Ardee bypass have been in development for many years but are currently stalled due to legal objections from a local lobby group.
“We just can’t wait until the Supreme Court makes their determination,” he added. “My suggestion, since April, has been that we hold a public meeting to set up a forum for those who want the bypass delivered.”
Support From Ardee Business and Community
Cllr. Jim Tenanty seconded the call, highlighting the frustration felt by residents, traders, and road users.
“We are getting it from every angle—from businesspeople to pedestrians on the street,” he said.
According to Cllr. Tenanty, the message “avoid Ardee at all costs” is circulating nationwide as motorists encounter chronic congestion.
“Ardee has a horrible association with traffic congestion,” he said. “A bypass won’t fix everything, but it is essential for the town to grow. A public meeting would give people a chance to have their say and allow us, as councillors, to explain that we are trying our best despite the legalities and objections.”
Cathaoirleach Opposes Public Meeting Over Legal Fears
Cathaoirleach Cllr. Dolores Minogue firmly pushed back against the proposal, warning that a public meeting at this stage could undermine the ongoing legal process.
“I would be terrified that we would jeopardise an outcome on what is badly needed—the Ardee bypass,” she said. “We have to do everything right; we have to have good governance.”
While emphasising that traders, residents, and councillors alike want the bypass delivered, she said she would not facilitate or chair a public meeting.
“It is the answer for our town,” she said. “But I don’t want to jeopardise a positive outcome, so on that note I won’t facilitate a public meeting.”
Clash Over Responsibilities and Standing Orders
Cllr. McGeough objected, arguing that the Chair’s personal reluctance should not override the council’s mandate.
“The issue isn’t whether the Cathaoirleach wants, likes or dislikes, or doesn’t want to do it,” he said.
Cllr. Minogue strongly rejected this interpretation and asked him to withdraw the remark. “It isn’t that I don’t want to,” she insisted.
Cllr. Tenanty then referenced the council’s standing orders, claiming they required the Cathaoirleach to act on a passed motion.
“When members pass a motion mandating the Cathaoirleach to hold a public meeting, she or he has to do that,” added Cllr. McGeough.
Cllr. Minogue repeated her concerns, saying once more that she feared the forum would compromise legal proceedings.
“I’m getting ambushed,” she remarked, expressing frustration with the mounting pressure.
Calls for Public Input on Ardee Traffic Solutions
Cllr. Rachel Kerley acknowledged that councillors have no direct role in the Supreme Court process but questioned whether there were other mechanisms available to gather public submissions.
She suggested that residents should be able to offer their own ideas and solutions for easing congestion in the town while the bypass remains stalled.
Next Step: Private ‘In Committee’ Discussion
With tensions high and no agreement on how to proceed, Director of Service David Jones intervened. He proposed that councillors meet “in committee,” meaning in private session, to identify a workable path forward.
The fate of the proposed public meeting—and the future of the bypass project—now rests on whether councillors can reach consensus away from the public chamber.re performance, but for the people and community it serves every day.
