Louth County Council planning new road between Armagh Road and Red Cow

Dundalk-Carlingford's Cllr John Reilly has welcomed the news that Louth County Council has submitted an application for funding to begin the initial planning phase of a proposed new road linking the Armagh Road to Red Cow.

According to Cllr Reilly, this proposed road aims to improve traffic flow, enhance safety, and support future development across north Dundalk. One of the key drivers of the project, he explained, is the current volume of heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) using the Armagh Road, which he said, has reached unsustainable levels, with the existing infrastructure "under significant pressure, creating daily challenges for residents, and businesses alike".

The Fine Gael councillor said that in addition to addressing traffic and safety concerns, the road will play a vital role in unlocking development opportunities. Large areas of land in the surrounding area are zoned for residential use, and this new infrastructure, he added, will be essential in facilitating future housing delivery, and will also provide "much-needed access" to the Dundalk North Business Park, where land is available for further commercial growth.

Crucially, he further added, the road will serve as a direct link between the Armagh Road and the M1 motorway via the Ballymascanlon roundabout, improving regional connectivity and reducing journey times for both local and through traffic.

Cllr Reilly commented: "This funding application is an essential first step in delivering a long-overdue piece of infrastructure. The volume of HGVs currently using the Armagh Road is not sustainable, and it's impacting both safety and quality of life for people in the area. At the same time, we have real opportunities for economic and residential growth—but without this road, that potential can’t be realised.

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"While it’s obviously very hard to predict a precise timeframe at this early stage, I would be optimistic that we could see this road delivered within the next three to four years, provided the planning and funding processes move forward smoothly."

If successful, the current funding application will support feasibility studies, route selection, and early-stage design work. This initiative is part of Louth County Council’s broader commitment to investing in infrastructure that delivers long-term benefits for the community and supports.

Cllr Reilly added that the project will also benefit the community in the Dowdallshill and the Old Newry Road, "who witness a constant flow of HGVs travelling a residential area".