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Dundalk Leader 3rd June 2026
Táin International Hillwalking Festival coming soon THE 2026 Táin International Hillwalking Festival returns to the scenic surroundings of the Cooley Mountains on Saturday and Sunday the 20th and 21st of June. The inaugural Táin International Walking Festival took place in The Cooley Mountains in 2019 and is now known as one of the best walking festivals in Ireland. Each day there are three different grades of walk to suit most fitness levels. Tickets cost €15 for one day or €25 for both days (includes transport to and from walks) and are available on Eventbrite. You can sign up online at www.eventbrite.com or register on the day at the registration centre which will be in the Dundalk Tourist Office at Market Square from 8:30am to 9:30am. Tea and biscuits will be served at registration. The following walks will take place on the Saturday with three graded walks on the day to suit all levels of walkers. Expect to see some majestic scenery on the walk on Saturday as you are led up the mountain passing Carlingford, Slieve Foye Forest, Carlingford mountains, Split Rock, White Bog, Slieve Foy, Barnavave, Paddy’s Top, Deserted Village and back to Carlingford.
Grade 1 Walk covers a distance of 13.6kms with a height gained of 820 metres. Grade 2 covers a distance of 9kms with a height gained of 595 metres while Grade 3 will cover 7.2kms at 9.7k and climb to a height of 352 metres. On Sunday the route will see walkers walk from the Lumpers, Round Mountain, The Castle Slievetrasna, Carnawaddy, Clermont Cairn, Carabane and Doolargy before returning to The Lumpers. Grade 1 will cover a distance of 16.6kms with a height gained of 686 metres. Grade 2 will cover 11.5kms with a height gained of 458 metres while Grade 3 covers 9.7kms and a height gained of 382 metres. Grade 1 walks are very challenging and strenuous. They should only be undertaken by experienced hillwalkers. Grade 2 walks are less strenuous but still take place on open mountains and require a reasonable/ high level of fitness. According to event organiser Jock McArdle, the event is getting bigger every year with people from all over the country attending every June. “It’s growing all the time and I think the word is spreading amongst the walking community across Ireland of the won-
derful scenery we are blessed with in this part of the country. Everything is in place now for a wonderful weekend of walking and now we just pray that the weather Gods are kind to us. “For anybody driving to Dundalk the car park in the Longwalk is €2 on Saturday and free on Sunday. There will be a bus out to the Lumpers leaving from the tourist Office at Market Square and that is included in the price you pay when registering. For anybody local who has never experienced the spectacular scenery up on the mountains I would urge you to come along this weekend and sample it for yourself,” added Jock. All walks and hikes are led by experienced leaders and those participating are encouraged to wear waterproof clothing and suitable walking boots. They should also carry a daysack containing spare clothing, waterproof jacket and bottoms, food and drink. No jeans. No boots, no walk! No animals or children under 18 allowed. For further info contact tainwalkfestival@gmail.com.
Register for the Táin International Hillwalking Festival now.
Disqualified from driving for two years following drink driving conviction A 45-YEAR-old woman was disqualified from driving for two years after she failed in an attempt to avoid a drink driving conviction at Dundalk District Court. Judge Nicola Andrews ruled that Niamh Croke of Dromin Manor, Dromin, Co Louth, had a case to answer after her barrister claimed that evidence in relation to the period of observation at Dundalk Garda Station was contradictory. The court heard from Dt Garda Murphy that on June 16th he observed a car on the Dublin Road, Marshes Upper, driving south that was crossing over and back the white line, and almost
collided with road islands. The car continued on to the N52 at Haggardstown without indicating and failed to stop after Gardai signalled to do so. The car continued to be driven in an erratic manner for approximately 90 seconds, although not at speed, and mounted a kerb before at a roundabout, before coming to a stop. The Garda spoke to the driver, Niamh Croke, and formed the opinion that she was under the influence. She was arrested at Crumlin, Dundalk, and taken to Dundalk Garda Station, where a breath test revealed that she was over the liming for driving. After evidence was given in
relation to the period of observation, Barrister Niall Mackin, stated that it was ambiguous as it did not identify who observed the defendant, and also didn’t mention Ms Croke making a phone call during that time. However, Judge Andrews ruled that the Garda gave very clear evidence in relation to the period of observation, and was satisfied that this evidence was in order. Mr Mackin stated that his client had good employment with the HSE and that the loss of her licence could have an impact. In convicting, Judge Andrews imposed the two-year ban and a €2500 fine.
Planning Disputes and the Law: A Local View from Dundalk By Darren Crawley PLANNING disputes rarely begin with the intention of becoming legal matters. More often than not, they arise from everyday situations, a neighbour’s extension, a new housing development, or a proposed commercial project. Yet, once concerns are raised, these issues can quickly move from informal disagreement into the structured world of planning law. In communities like Dundalk, where development continues to shape the town’s character, understanding how planning disputes work is increasingly important. At the heart of Ireland’s planning system is a balance: enabling development while protecting the rights of individuals and the wider community. Local authorities, including Louth County Council, are responsible for assessing planning applications. They consider factors such as zoning, environmental impact, traffic implications, and how a proposal fits within the local development plan. For residents, the first point of engagement often comes when a planning notice appears on a nearby site or in a local newspaper. This notice signals that an application has been made and that members of the public have a limited window—typically five weeks,
to make submissions or observations. It is at this stage that many potential disputes begin. Common concerns include overshadowing, loss of privacy, increased traffic, or the perceived impact on property values. While not all concerns carry equal weight in planning law, they are nonetheless part of the broader assessment process. Importantly, objections must be grounded in planning considerations rather than personal preference. For example, a dislike of a proposed building’s appearance may be less persuasive than concerns about access, drainage, or compliance with zoning regulations. If a person wishes to object, the process is relatively straightforward but must be followed carefully. A written submission, accompanied by a small fee, is sent to the local authority within the prescribed timeframe. Missing this deadline can mean losing the opportunity to have one’s concerns formally considered. Once a decision is made by the council, it is not necessarily the end of the matter. Applicants and objectors alike have the right to appeal to An Bord Pleanála, an independent body that reviews planning decisions. This appeal process introduces a further layer of scrutiny and can significantly extend the timeline of a project.
In Dundalk, planning disputes can be particularly sensitive given the town’s mix of historic areas, residential estates, and ongoing commercial development. Proposals near landmarks such as St Patrick’s Church or within established neighbourhoods often attract close attention from residents keen to preserve the character of their surroundings. However, it is important to recognise that not all disputes are adversarial in nature. In many cases, concerns raised during the planning process lead to modifications or conditions being attached to a development. These might include changes to design, restrictions on working hours, or requirements for additional infrastructure. In this way, the system is designed not just to approve or refuse, but to refine proposals
in response to legitimate issues. From a legal perspective, planning disputes highlight the importance of procedure. The strength of a concern is only part of the equation; how and when it is raised can be equally significant. Failure to follow the correct steps, such as lodging an objection on time or providing sufficient detail, can weaken a position, regardless of its merits. There is also a broader lesson about communication. Many disputes escalate because of a lack of early engagement between developers and local residents. While the formal planning process provides a structured avenue for objections, informal dialogue at an early stage can sometimes resolve issues before they become contentious. In a close-knit community like Dundalk, this approach can be particularly effective. For those involved in a planning dispute, seeking professional advice is often worthwhile. Planning consultants and solicitors can help interpret complex regulations and ensure that submissions are framed in a way that aligns with legal requirements. While this may not always change the outcome, it can provide clarity and confidence in navigating the process. Ultimately, planning law is about more than rules and regulations, it
is about shaping the spaces in which people live and work. In Dundalk, ongoing development brings both opportunity and challenge. New housing, businesses, and infrastructure projects contribute to the town’s growth, but they also require careful management to ensure that this growth is sustainable and respectful of existing communities. Understanding the planning process empowers individuals to participate constructively. Whether supporting a development, raising concerns, or simply staying informed, residents play a vital role in shaping their local environment. The law provides the framework, but it is community engagement that gives it meaning. As with many areas of law, the key to avoiding unnecessary conflict lies in awareness. Knowing how the system works, what rights exist, and how to exercise them can make a significant difference. In the context of planning disputes, this knowledge transforms what might otherwise be a source of frustration into an opportunity for meaningful input. In the end, planning disputes are not just about buildings or land, they are about people, communities, and the future of places like Dundalk. And with the right understanding, they can be managed in a way that benefits all involved.
Ancillary report funded by Coimisiún na Meán’s Courts Reporting Scheme