Ardee 2040 Decision Expected by Autumn 2026
By ArdeePost Reporter
Ardee 2040 Decision Expected by Autumn 2026
A long-awaited decision on the ambitious Ardee 2040 Regeneration Project may not arrive until late summer or early autumn, councillors at February’s meeting of Louth County Council have been told.
The major town centre plan is currently under consideration by An Bord Pleanála (An Bord Coimisiún), following the formal submission of the planning application at the end of 2025.
Major Milestone Reached Before Christmas
Director of Services David Jones described the lodging of the application before Christmas as a “major milestone” for the transformative project.
The scheme sets out a comprehensive vision for the future of Ardee, aimed at supporting regeneration, compact growth and sustainable development in the mid-Louth town.
While welcoming confirmation that the submission had been made, Cllr Pearse McGeough sought clarity on the likely timeline for a decision.
Six to Nine Month Wait Anticipated For Ardee Residents
Mr Jones told councillors that although the council hopes the Ardee project may progress efficiently through the planning process, experience suggests patience will be required.
He referenced the Westgate Vision project in Drogheda, which took approximately 12 months to navigate the planning system. In Ardee’s case, the council is hopeful of a quicker turnaround, but officials indicated a decision is still likely to take between six and nine months.
That timeframe places an expected outcome in late summer or early autumn.
Vision for a Transformed Town Centre
The Ardee 2040 Regeneration Project outlines wide-ranging proposals designed to reshape the town centre and enhance quality of life for residents, businesses and visitors.
Key elements of the plan include:
- New and improved streetscapes
- Upgraded public spaces and plazas
- Enhanced public realm works
- Road and junction upgrades
- New cycleways and walkways
- Improvements to sports and recreational facilities
The aim is to create a more vibrant, accessible and sustainable town centre that encourages investment, active travel and community engagement.
Backed by National Funding
The project is being led by the council’s Regeneration and Development Team and is funded through the Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF), a key component of the Government’s Project Ireland 2040 strategy.
Louth County Council is providing match funding to support the delivery of the scheme.
Community Anticipation Builds
The Ardee 2040 project has been closely watched by residents and local businesses, who view it as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to revitalise the town centre.
While councillors acknowledged that the planning timeline may feel lengthy, there was recognition that the scale and ambition of the project require careful assessment.
For now, the town must wait until later this year for clarity on whether the vision for Ardee’s future will move to the next stage.
