DUNDALK’S FREE NEWSPAPER Committee formed to help re-ignite Dowdallshill
Vandalism at St Helena’s Park widely condemned
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Paddy’s latest novel explores love and friendship Page 8
Friday, 3rd January, 2025. Vol. 18, Issue 1 • 9A, Crowe Street, Dundalk, Co. Louth Tel: 042 932 0888 | Email: editorial@dundalkleader.com; advertising@dundalkleader.com
Concern over Blackrock development By Paul Byrne FIANNA Fáil councillor Shane McGuinness has outlined his ‘grave’ concerns over a proposed housing devlopment at a large site off the Blackrock Road, via Bothar Maol which is a narow lane off the Dundalk to Blackrock Road. McGuinness has cited a lack of infrastructure in the area which he says does not lend itself to a high density development such as the one proposed by Marina Quarter Ltd, a subsidiary of Glenveagh Homes. In 2019 Louth Co Council granted that company planning permisiion for a 483 house development which was subject to 24 conditions. In November 23 a new application was lodged for 503 homes but this was refused by Louth County Council twelve months ago and that decision was upheld by An Bord Pleanala following an appeal
by the developers. Following that refusal, the developers went back to their original plans (which had been granted planning permission in 2019) to build 483 homes and in November they issued a commencement notice to Louth County Council stating that work would begin on December 11th. However, in a further muddying of the waters the land which the developers are hoping to build the houses on was re-zoned in November following a submission from Cllr. Shane McGuinness. Now McGuinness has asked the question whether the developers are complying with the 24 conditions attached to the original planning permission and he has welcomed the fact that Louth County Council have been in contact with the developers to ask that exact question. Contiinued on Page 2
Conor Hughes sitting on top of his ‘Big Fish’ installation on St Stephen’s Day as part of his traditional annual fundraiser. Full Story page 2.