Memorial Garden Potential Impact on Ardee 2040 Project
Ardee News and Sport — Residents in Ardee have expressed anger and frustration over concerns that a memorial garden along the town’s Railway Walk could hinder the Ardee 2040 regeneration project. Despite local councillors being aware of the development, the garden, containing hundreds of memorial trees, was not part of the official Ardee 2040 plans, leading to tensions over its future.
The Ardee 2040 project, focused on revitalising areas such as Main Street, Ash Walk, and the old railway land, includes plans for a community garden, playground, and open space. However, the meeting revealed that the memorial garden, created by a local volunteer, had been developed without consent, potentially clashing with these official plans.
Cllr Jim Tenanty raised the issue during the meeting, stating that the unauthorised development at Railway Walk, featuring memorial trees, a grotto, street furniture, and a gate at Dee Bridge, could interfere with the regeneration efforts. He questioned whether this development was part of the council’s long-term plans.
Senior Executive Officer Olivia McCormack clarified that the memorial garden was not part of Ardee 2040 and had never been included. Louth County Council’s Operations Section was now addressing the situation, acknowledging that people had donated towards the memorials.
Ms. McCormack further explained that the trees, which are located where the new community garden is planned, could impede future development. In response to concerns from residents about the trees blocking light, she emphasized that the current activities were not aligned with the regeneration goals.
Cllr John Sheridan, Cathaoirleach of the council, expressed concern, asking whether the current development could impede the planned community space. McCormack confirmed that the memorial garden was not part of their vision, which includes a community garden, playground, and open space in the area.
Cllr Tenanty pointed out that the project had community support, with a local priest blessing the site and positive media coverage. However, he acknowledged that the situation was delicate, with further plans for a larger grotto and a GoFundMe page in place to fundraise for the effort.
“This is a very delicate situation to be interfering in,” said Cllr Tenanty, while Cllr Dolores Minogue added, “There is a headache in front of us.” The councillors recognised the challenge of balancing the well-meaning actions of the community with the broader needs of the Ardee 2040 project.
Meanwhile, Ms. McCormack thanked Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) for their continued support in the Main Street portion of the regeneration, noting that while progress was being made, the plan remained complex and required careful oversight. The council hopes to submit a “full package” to An Bord Pleanála once pre-planning approval from TII is secured in the coming weeks.