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Louth TD says reforms will be critical for unlocking Ardee Bypass
Erin McGreehan TD says forthcoming report on ‘Accelerating Infrastructure Taskforce’ to play vital role in unlocking key infrastructure
Erin McGreehan TD says reforms will be critical for unlocking Ardee Bypass
Reporter:
Donard McCabe
27 Nov 2025 6:30 PM
Louth Fianna Fáil TD, Erin McGreehan, has said that the forthcoming report on ‘Accelerating Infrastructure Taskforce’ will play a vital role in unlocking key infrastructure that has been delayed by bureaucracy and red tape, including the Ardee Bypass.
Her comments follow confirmation that the Ardee Bypass has been included in the National Development Plan list of major national road projects scheduled to begin procurement by 2030.
Speaking today Deputy McGreehan said: “I welcome the inclusion of the Ardee Bypass in the report as it reflects a clear intention from Government to advance this project. However meaningful reforms are needed to release it from delays caused by judicial reviews and administrative hurdles.”
The bypass already has planning permission but has been held up by objections. Louth County Council confirmed in January that it was informed that an application to the Supreme Court had been lodged for Leave to Appeal in respect to the High Court decision delivered in 2024 that refused the applicant’s application for a Judicial Review regarding the decision of An Bord Pleanála (EIA and AA Screening decisions) and the N52 Ardee Bypass.
Environmental group, Friends of Ardee Bog, had sought leave to appeal a High Court ruling in May 2024, which refused their application for a judicial review. The legal challenge related to An Bord Pleanála's decision that neither an Environmental Impact Assessment Report nor a Natura Impact Statement are required for the bypass that would cross Ardee Bog. In November, the High Court rejected the legal challenge in its entirety.
The N2 remains the main route through Ardee and Deputy McGreehan said that without relief the town continues to face significant pressure from heavy traffic. “This project is essential for Louth. It will support commuters and create wider economic benefits for the region.
“While I may not agree with those who object I fully respect their right to do so. At the same time we must ensure that our system functions effectively. We need to move from a ‘vetocracy’ to a democracy and I am hopeful that the upcoming reforms will support that aim.”
Minister Jack Chambers is expected to publish the Accelerating Infrastructure Taskforce report shortly. It will set out a series of high impact time bound actions designed to tackle bottlenecks, remove barriers and speed up the delivery of critical infrastructure in areas such as housing roads water and wastewater treatment plants and energy grid development.
Minister Chambers has indicated that the report contains significant reforms including new emergency powers legislation to fast-track capital projects in the national interest remove regulatory obstacles address legal costs and reduce red tape.
Deputy McGreehan added: “Our country has a significant infrastructure deficit and there is real frustration across communities and within the business sector about delays in delivering key projects. This deficit affects our economy and our international competitiveness.
“I am hopeful the actions in this report will be central to advancing projects that matter to the people of Louth, and the country as a whole.”
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