Local Frustration Mounts Over Latest Delay to Ardee Bypass
Ardee News and Sport – Local Frustration Mounts Over Latest Delay to Ardee Bypass
The long-awaited Ardee Bypass project has hit yet another roadblock, sparking frustration and disappointment among local residents and business owners. The latest delay stems from the Friends of Ardee Bog lodging a Supreme Court Application for Leave to Appeal on December 20th, 2024. This follows the High Court’s 2024 decision, which had refused their earlier application for a Judicial Review of the environmental and appropriate assessment screenings conducted by An Bord Pleanála.
A Project in Limbo
The bypass, seen as a critical infrastructure project to alleviate congestion in the bustling town of Ardee, has faced numerous setbacks over the years. This new legal challenge means the project will remain in limbo until the Supreme Court’s decision is made and the legal process is fully resolved.
For locals, this latest development is a bitter pill to swallow. The bypass was designed to divert heavy traffic away from the town’s narrow streets, improving safety and reducing pollution. Instead, the delays have left many residents feeling overlooked and frustrated by a system that seems to prioritize legal battles over community needs.
Voices of Disappointment
“It’s just another blow to the people of Ardee,” said local woman Kaitlyn Leavy. “We’ve been waiting for this bypass for years, and every time we think progress is being made, another delay pops up. It’s beyond frustrating.”
Another resident, John Byrne, expressed his concerns about the environmental and economic toll. “We’re constantly dealing with heavy trucks rumbling through the town, damaging roads and creating noise. Businesses suffer, and our town’s character is being eroded because nothing is being done to fix the traffic problem.”
Calls for Action
Community groups have also voiced their concerns, calling for the legal process to be expedited. “While environmental concerns are important, we cannot continue to delay vital infrastructure that benefits the people of Ardee and the wider region. It’s time to find a resolution and prioritize the needs of the community and move forward.”
A Lingering Wait
The uncertainty surrounding the bypass has left the future of Ardee hanging in the balance. Until the Supreme Court reaches a decision, the project remains stalled, much to the dismay of a community desperate for progress.
In the meantime, residents and local businesses are calling for greater transparency and updates on the status of the appeal, urging decision-makers to remember the people most affected by these ongoing delays.
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