Ardee Bypass Forum Urged as Town Faces Traffic Gridlock
By ArdeePost Reporter
‘The Town Is Dying on Its Feet’: Councillor Calls for Ardee Bypass Forum as Plans Stall in Supreme Court
Mounting frustration over chronic congestion in Ardee has led to renewed calls for a public forum supporting the long-delayed Ardee Bypass project, as the town continues to suffer from daily traffic gridlock.
Speaking at the November meeting of Ardee Municipal District, Cllr. Pearse McGeough said urgent action is needed to rally local support while the N52 Ardee Bypass remains stalled in the Supreme Court due to ongoing legal objections.
“Ardee is dying on its feet. There is constant traffic gridlock,” Cllr. McGeough told The Argus. “We need to get people together who are backing the bypass to air their views in a public forum.”
Call for a United Community Effort
Cllr. McGeough said that a public campaign—similar to the successful effort in Slane, County Meath—could help add weight to local calls for progress.
“We really need to get people together in Ardee—all stakeholders including businesspeople, local residents, public representatives, and gardaí—because we are all waiting with bated breath for the Supreme Court judgment. But more needs to be done.”
He added that the majority of traffic in Ardee is through traffic, using the N52 as a route between the M1 and the N2, leaving the town centre heavily congested.
“It’s not good for the town, and it’s not healthy to have cars sitting running their engines for three quarters of an hour,” he said.
Roadworks Add to Congestion
Recent roadworks at John Street have caused further disruption, compounding the frustration of residents and business owners.
“I fully support the roadworks that need to be done—we all want better roads in our town,” Cllr. McGeough explained. “But each time we have works in the town, there is traffic gridlock.”
He reiterated his earlier motion at the Municipal District meeting calling for a bypass forum to be formally established, saying the project must remain a top priority.
Ardee Bypass Project Stalled
The long-awaited N52 Ardee Bypass, a key infrastructure project designed to divert heavy traffic from the town centre, has been in planning for years. However, progress has been delayed due to legal challenges from the ‘Friends of Ardee Bog’ lobby group, which raised environmental objections.
The project’s future now rests with the Supreme Court, where a final judgment is awaited. Local representatives say the uncertainty has left Ardee in limbo, with worsening congestion and growing frustration among residents.
Hope for Discussion at December Meeting
At the November meeting of the Ardee Municipal District, Leas Cathaoirleach Cllr. John Sheridan said that Cllr. McGeough’s proposal for a public forum could be placed on the agenda for discussion at the December meeting.
Supporters of the bypass hope that renewed public engagement will highlight the urgent need for progress on the project, which they say is vital to the economic and environmental health of Ardee.
As Cllr. McGeough concluded:
“Ardee needs this bypass—not just for traffic relief, but for the town’s future. The longer this drags on, the harder it becomes for local businesses and residents to thrive.”