Year in Review: Looking back on the news across Louth in Janaury 2025

January 7th

Dundalk had plenty to celebrate in the latest Irish Business Against Litter (IBAL) survey, soaring ten places to rank 20th out of 40 towns and cities and earning the coveted ‘Clean to European Norms’ status—a dramatic turnaround from last year’s results.

With just one heavily littered site, the town moved up by ten places when compared with the last survey result in June 2024 representing a significant improvement compared to this time last year when Dundalk was ranked 39th and deemed to be littered.

There were five top ranking sites, and the remainder were moderately littered. Examples of top ranking sites included the approach routes, Michael McNeela Riverside Walkway and Clanbrassil Street.

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Pat McCormick, President of Dundalk Chamber, said he was delighted to announce that the sales of the Shop Local Gift Vouchers exceeded a record sales of €2.5 million in 2024.

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That brought total sales to close to €10 million since their launch over nine years ago, an unbelievable amount in such a short period of time, according to the Chamber.

Paddy Malone PRO of Dundalk Chamber of Commerce said that the “beauty of these vouchers is that they do not expire, and the shops get the full amount back. They do not lose value over time.”

January 14th

Commencement on the long awaited Ardee Bypass hit another stumbling block, following the news that a fresh legal challenge has been lodged against a November High Court ruling.

Louth County Council confirmed that it was informed that an application to the Supreme Court has 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.

January 21st

Property development company, Cabriz Ltd, announced the submission of a planning application for an innovative residential development at Hill Street, Dundalk.

The proposed development features:

- Diverse Housing Options: 194 homes ranging from one to three bedrooms.

These include duplex-style homes and apartments, ensuring a variety of housing types to meet the needs of individuals, families, and first-time buyers.

Cabriz Ltd believes this diversity fosters a vibrant and inclusive community.

- Integrated Amenities: A purpose-built childcare facility with 44 spaces, catering to the needs of young families within the community.

- Sustainability and Accessibility: The project incorporates green roofs, energy-efficient design principles, and adherence to Universal Design standards, ensuring inclusivity and comfort for all residents.

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David Conway officially began his tenure as the new Chief Executive of Louth County Council on Monday 20 January.

The Limerick native, who was formally ratified by the elected members of Louth County Council in November 2024, succeeds Joe McGuinness, who filled the role temporarily following the retirement of Joan Martin last summer.

January 28th

County Louth faced an extraordinary set of challenges as Storm Éowyn swept through on Friday, January 24th, with winds reaching up to 130 km/h, leading to significant damage across the county.

Met Éireann had issued a Status Red Wind Warning bringing with it gale-force winds, power outages, fallen trees and water disruption.

The storm’s fierce winds caused widespread disruption across the region, with over 34,000 homes, businesses, and farms in County Louth losing power due to damaged electrical infrastructure.

ESB Networks described the winds as "extreme, damaging and destructive," with restoration efforts taking several days. Some local areas, including Dundalk, were left without electricity for an extended period.

Transportation across Louth was heavily impacted, with roads blocked by fallen trees.

Louth County Council's emergency response team deployed crews to clear debris..

In Dundalk, significant damage was reported in St. Helena’s Park, where large trees – including two 150-year-old hornbeam trees – were felled by the powerful gusts.

The residents of Hackballscross faced significant water disruptions.