High Court Rejects Appeal in Ardee Bypass Case
Ardee News and Sport – High Court Rejects Appeal in Ardee Bypass Case, Clearing Path for Major Infrastructure Project
The latest High Court challenge to the long-awaited N52 Ardee bypass has been struck down, marking a crucial step forward for the project. Environmental group “Friends of Ardee Bog,” which has actively opposed the bypass due to potential impacts on local biodiversity, sought leave to appeal a May ruling that refused their application for a judicial review. The group’s legal team had based its appeal on three points of law, citing environmental and preservation concerns related to the route through Ardee Bog.
However, in her ruling, Ms Justice Miriam O’Regan rejected the application, effectively closing this latest avenue for appeal. This decision has been met with relief by some local representatives and businesses, who have long advocated for the bypass as a solution to Ardee’s chronic traffic congestion.
Local Fine Gael councillor Dolores Minogue, a vocal proponent of the bypass, welcomed the court’s ruling as a victory for the town and the region. “This is a significant step forward for Ardee and the surrounding communities,” she said. “With this decision, we can finally look to progress on a much-needed bypass that will relieve congestion, improve road safety, and boost our local economy.”
For over a decade, the proposed bypass has been a contentious issue, facing multiple legal and procedural obstacles, largely due to environmental concerns. Friends of Ardee Bog argue that the bypass could lead to irreversible damage to the bog, which is home to a range of species and serves as a valuable ecological site. The group has vowed to continue advocating for environmental preservation and to explore alternative solutions.
In contrast, residents and local business owners are optimistic that the ruling will now allow for tangible progress on the €30 million project, intended to redirect heavy traffic away from Ardee’s town centre. Supporters of the bypass believe it will transform Ardee’s infrastructure, improving daily commutes, attracting new businesses, and supporting local trade.
With the legal opposition from Friends of Ardee Bog at a standstill, construction on the bypass could move forward, pending any unforeseen delays. However, environmentalists are keeping a close eye on developments, urging authorities to ensure that environmental assessments remain a key component of the project’s planning and execution.