Ardee News Roundup: Homeless Accommodation Crisis, Council Leadership Changes, and New Housing Development Launched
By ArdeePost Reporter
This month’s Ardee Municipal District meeting highlighted some of the most pressing issues facing the town and mid-Louth area, from a deepening homeless accommodation crisis to growing concerns around estate infrastructure, as well as the appointment of a new Cathaoirleach and the official launch of a major new housing development.
“It Is a Crisis” – Homeless Situation in Ardee Escalates
A stark warning was issued at the June district meeting by Cllr. Jim Tenanty, who said the region is facing a “crisis” in the provision of homeless accommodation. He stressed that people, including families, are being forced to leave their local area to access shelter — a situation he described as unacceptable.
“If we can’t facilitate our own, it’s a sad day,” Cllr. Tenanty told members, reiterating earlier warnings.
Cathaoirleach Cllr. Dolores Minogue agreed, saying the rise in local homelessness is “heartbreaking,” particularly when people are expected to leave their communities and support networks.
“The homeless numbers in Ardee have risen significantly over the last couple of years,” she said. “We need a local solution.”
Speeding and Poor Estate Design Frustrate Residents
Cllr. Pearse McGeough raised ongoing concerns about speeding in residential estates across Ardee, noting the issue is made worse by outdated estate designs that no longer suit modern car ownership levels.
“You might now have four or five cars at one house where originally there was space for one or two. The design of these estates leaves a lot to be desired,” he said, linking it to broader failures in government housing policy.
While signs have been erected to warn motorists, the meeting heard that enforcement now falls into the hands of An Garda Síochána.
New Leadership Elected at Ardee Municipal AGM
In a roll-call vote at the Annual General Meeting of the Ardee Municipal District, Cllr. Dolores Minogue (Fine Gael) was elected Cathaoirleach, defeating Cllr. Pearse McGeough by four votes to two. Accepting the chains of office, she promised to focus on housing and traffic congestion during her term.
“It’s a proud day,” Minogue said, noting that her late father-in-law had also worn the chains during the Ardee Town Council era. “I want to make real progress for the people of Ardee and mid-Louth.”
Cllr. McGeough expressed frustration over what he called a “grubby little deal” made after the last election, saying it went against his values and undermined cooperation.
Cllr. John Sheridan (Fianna Fáil) was elected Leas Cathaoirleach by the same margin and received cross-party praise for his previous year of service as chair.
New A2-Rated Homes Unveiled in Ardee
On the housing front, Minister Jack Chambers TD officially opened 20 new A2-rated homes at Quarry Court on John Street, part of Louth County Council’s accelerated delivery under the Government’s Housing for All strategy.
The development, built by Currabeg Construction, includes 11 three-bed houses and nine one- and two-bedroom apartments, designed with high energy efficiency to help reduce household energy costs.
“This is a shining example of how public and private sectors can work together to deliver homes for our communities,” said Minister Chambers.
Louth County Council Cathaoirleach Kevin Callan praised the scheme as a “fantastic turnkey development” and highlighted the Council’s broader goal of delivering over 2,000 homes under the current housing programme.
Council CEO David Conway revealed that 440 homes are currently under construction across eight county sites, while efforts to expand affordable housing schemes are also well underway.
Key Issues to Watch in Ardee and Mid-Louth
- Homelessness: Calls grow for urgent investment in local accommodation services
- Estate Infrastructure: Residents demand action on speeding and outdated layouts
- Housing Delivery: Over 400 homes currently being built as part of long-term plan
- Council Leadership: Focus shifts to new Cathaoirleach’s traffic and housing priorities
As Ardee faces complex challenges on housing, homelessness, and community infrastructure, local leaders and residents alike are calling for real action and sustainable solutions.
Stay tuned for more updates and developments in next month’s Ardee News Roundup.
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