Supreme Court Grants Objectors Leave to Appeal on N52 Ardee Bypass Decision
Ardee News and Sport – Supreme Court Grants Objectors Leave to Appeal on N52 Ardee Bypass Decision
The long-awaited N52 Ardee Bypass project has encountered yet another legal hurdle, as the Supreme Court has granted objectors leave to appeal on a specific ground related to conservation concerns. The latest development marks a significant turn in the ongoing legal battle surrounding the much-needed infrastructure project.
In its judgment, the Supreme Court ruled that the objectors have been granted permission to appeal on one specific issue: the validity of An Bord Pleanála’s determination in the absence of site-specific conservation objectives for the Special Protection Area (SPA). This means the Court will now examine whether the lack of these conservation objectives undermines the planning decision. However, the Court has deferred ruling on whether this issue is properly within the scope of the appeal until the main Supreme Court hearing.
Despite this concession, the Supreme Court rejected all other grounds put forward by the objectors, meaning that only the SPA-related argument will proceed. In addition, the Court has decided to adjourn the case generally pending the outcome of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) reference in the Power v An Bord Pleanála case. Once a judgment is delivered in the Power case, the Supreme Court will then move forward with the Ardee Bypass appeal “with all deliberate speed.”
The N52 Ardee Bypass has been a topic of local and national discussion for years, with supporters arguing it is essential for improving traffic flow and safety in the town, while objectors have raised concerns over environmental and planning issues. This latest legal twist adds yet more uncertainty to the project’s timeline, leaving residents and commuters in continued limbo.
Local representatives have expressed frustration over the delays, noting that the bypass is a critical infrastructure project for the area. “The people of Ardee and surrounding communities have been waiting far too long for this bypass. Every delay only worsens congestion and impacts road safety,” said one local councillor.
It remains to be seen how the Supreme Court will ultimately rule on the conservation concerns raised by the objectors, but for now, the project remains tied up in legal proceedings. Until the Power case is decided, the Ardee Bypass project faces yet another pause, with no clear end in sight.
