Twelve years after it was first rejected, the Slane bypass has been given planning permission
Meath County Council's planning application for the N2 Slane Bypass and Public Realm Enhancement Scheme has been approved by An Coimisiún Pleanála.
The project includes a 3.5km dual carriageway around Slane with a combined footway/cycleway and a 258-metre-long bridge.
The works will also make several public realm enhancements in Slane village and improved traffic management measures and works on the N51 between the proposed bypass and the centre of the village.
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Meath County Council Cathaoirleach Wayne Harding said the council is 'absolutely delighted with today's news as this vitally important project will address the transport needs of residents, businesses and visitors in the village of Slane and in the wider strategic road network within the vicinity'.
'Aside from significantly improving road safety in the area, this scheme will remove the bottleneck in the village, reducing traffic congestion and moving more heavy goods vehicles out of Slane, making the air much cleaner for all residents,' he said.
The council's chief executive Kieran Kehoe said said that 'access to a more connected transport network that includes more reliable public transport, improved facilities for active travel and a new off-street car-park will boost the local economy within Slane and enable businesses to flourish'.
Along the bypass, there will be a 258-metre bridge crossing the River Boyne Special Area of Conservation (SAC).
Plans for a Slane bypass have been in the pipeline for years.
In 2012, An Bord Pleanála
refused planning permission
for a bypass, saying at the time that the road would be located close to the Brú na Bóinne UNESCO World Heritage.
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The Journal
4 days ago
- The Journal
Twelve years after it was first rejected, the Slane bypass has been given planning permission
THE SLANE BYPASS has officially received planning permission, paving the way for a new 3.5km dual carriageway in Meath. Meath County Council's planning application for the N2 Slane Bypass and Public Realm Enhancement Scheme has been approved by An Coimisiún Pleanála. The project includes a 3.5km dual carriageway around Slane with a combined footway/cycleway and a 258-metre-long bridge. The works will also make several public realm enhancements in Slane village and improved traffic management measures and works on the N51 between the proposed bypass and the centre of the village. Advertisement Meath County Council Cathaoirleach Wayne Harding said the council is 'absolutely delighted with today's news as this vitally important project will address the transport needs of residents, businesses and visitors in the village of Slane and in the wider strategic road network within the vicinity'. 'Aside from significantly improving road safety in the area, this scheme will remove the bottleneck in the village, reducing traffic congestion and moving more heavy goods vehicles out of Slane, making the air much cleaner for all residents,' he said. The council's chief executive Kieran Kehoe said said that 'access to a more connected transport network that includes more reliable public transport, improved facilities for active travel and a new off-street car-park will boost the local economy within Slane and enable businesses to flourish'. Along the bypass, there will be a 258-metre bridge crossing the River Boyne Special Area of Conservation (SAC). Plans for a Slane bypass have been in the pipeline for years. In 2012, An Bord Pleanála refused planning permission for a bypass, saying at the time that the road would be located close to the Brú na Bóinne UNESCO World Heritage. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
The Irish Sun
4 days ago
- The Irish Sun
Brand new 3.5km Irish bypass finally approved 13 years after rejection in ‘great day' for road safety and commuters
PLANNING permission for a long-awaited bypass has been approved in a "great day" for road safety. An Coimisiún Pleanala approved the project for the construction of a 3.5km bypass around Slane in Meath, including a dual carriageway as well as a 258-metre-long bridge over the historic River Boyne. Advertisement 2 Planning applications for a bypass in Meath has been approved by An Coimisiún Pleanála Credit: RTE NEWS COLLECT 2 The project will see the construction of a 3.5km long bypass in Slane village and includes a dual carriageway Credit: RTE NEWS COLLECT In its ruling, the planning appeals board said the new infrastructure would significantly reduce The development has been welcomed by Cathaoirleach of Meath County Council Wayne Harding who has long been campaigning for a new route to replace the A previous application was refused 13 years ago amid claims by An Bord Pleanala that it would affect the World Heritage site of Bru na Boinne. Cllr Wayne Harding said: "The announcement that the Slane bypass has finally received planning permission has been met with great excitement. Advertisement READ MORE IN MOTORS "For decades there has been a campaign to get the very dangerous N2 out of Slane village. "The road through the village has been the scene of countless accidents causing the deaths of 23 people. "A 2012 decision to refuse the bypass was met with deep anger and frustration. "But since then, an application has been painstakingly rebuilt by Meath County Council and Transport Infrastructure Ireland. Advertisement MOST READ IN MOTORS "This decision today is not just on the N2 north/south bypass, but will also see millions of investment in a public realm plan which will completely transform Slane. "All aspects of village life across all generations are impacted by the road. Gardai and RSA measures aimed at driving crash deaths on Irish roads "Every child in Slane village must use the road to enter their school, as do the members of the very popular Slane Men's Shed. "The campaign has gone on that long that different people from the community picked up the baton to keep the need for the bypass at the forefront of all national decision makers over many years. Advertisement "I want to particularly mention John Ryle and Michele Cullen Power today. " The approved project will also include a village park and interpretive centres. In its ruling, An Coimisiún Pleanala said it approved the development "generally as recommended by the reporting inspector." It said it would pose "a significant traffic hazard risk reduction by the reduction in volume and type (HGVs) of through traffic in Slane village centre." Advertisement It would also have positive impact for reduction in journey time and indirect In a statement, Meath County Council said: "Following receipt of notification from An Coimisiún Pleanála this morning (Tuesday, July 1, 2025), Meath County Council is delighted to announce the approval of the N2 Slane Bypass and Public Realm Enhancement Scheme, and confirmation of the CPO associated with same."
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