Ardee Memorial Park Group Calls for Pause on Railway Works
By ArdeePost Reporter
Call to Pause Proposed Works at Ardee Railway Memorial Park
Members of the Ardee Railway Memorial Park Committee have formally called on Louth County Council to pause all proposed works at the Railway Memorial Park in Ardee until the statutory planning process for the Ardee 2040 Regeneration Plan has been fully completed.
The call follows the publication of public notices referring to the proposed removal and relocation of memorial trees, along with the development of a new memorial garden within the park.
Concerns Raised Over Timing of Works
According to the committee, the proposals have caused concern locally as the wider Ardee 2040 regeneration scheme is still under consideration by An Coimisiún Pleanála (formerly An Bord Pleanála).
Committee members believe that proceeding with works of such sensitivity before a final planning determination risks undermining both public confidence and the integrity of the planning process.
Correspondence Sent to Planning Authorities
The committee has now written formally to An Coimisiún Pleanála and to Louth County Council’s Planning Enforcement Section, seeking clarity on whether the proposed works should proceed in advance of a final planning decision.
They are requesting confirmation that no irreversible actions take place at the site until the statutory process has concluded.
Committee: Regeneration Must Follow Due Process
Michael O’Dowd, a member of the Ardee Railway Memorial Park Committee, stressed that the group is not opposed to regeneration, but instead is advocating for proper sequencing and respect for due process.
“Regeneration done properly can be transformative for a town like Ardee,” Mr O’Dowd said.
“But it must be done in the right order. When works involving memorial trees and commemorative spaces are proposed before the planning process has concluded, it is entirely reasonable to say: not so fast, Louth County Council.”
‘A Place of Deep Community Significance’
Fellow committee member Dermot Maguire highlighted the emotional and historical importance of the Railway Memorial Park for families across Ardee.
“The Railway Memorial Park is a place of remembrance for families across Ardee,” he said.
“Any proposal to relocate memorial trees or redesign the memorial setting needs to be approached with sensitivity, transparency and respect — and only after all proper approvals are in place.”
Protecting Trust in the Planning System
Both committee members emphasised that their intervention is intended to protect public confidence in the planning system and to ensure that regeneration projects proceed lawfully and with community support.
They say that while regeneration is welcome, it must be carried out in a way that respects both legal processes and the emotional significance of community spaces.
Ardee Call for No Irreversible Works
Until a final decision is issued by An Coimisiún Pleanála, the Ardee Railway Memorial Park Committee is calling for no irreversible works to take place at the site.
They have urged Louth County Council to pause the proposed works and to fully engage with the community once the planning process has reached its conclusion.
