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DUNDALK’S FREE NEWSPAPER Councillors told that Ardee By-Pass start date could be years away Page 4

Interview with Louth County Council’s Claire Hughes

Bright shop signs making Dundalk Town Cente look like Blackpool

Page 12

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Wednesday, 28th October, 2026. Vol. 19, Issue 43 • 9A, Crowe Street, Dundalk, Co. Louth Tel: 042 932 0888 | Email: editorial@dundalkleader.com; advertising@dundalkleader.com

GOLD STANDARD!

Louth secure five gold medals at Tidy Town awards By Paul Byrne DUNDALK, Dromiskin, Blackrock, Ardee and Drogheda all secured the coveted Gold Medal status at the annual SuperValu Tidy Towns competition which was held in Croke Park last Friday. Dromiskin were crowned the tidiest town in Louth once again at the SuperValu Tidy Town

Blackrock Tidy Towns Committee.

Awards narrowly pipping Blackrock who finished second again. In total Louth Tidy Towns groups came away with five gold medals and two national awards. Dromiskin was named as the Regional winner for Midlands and East while also retaining their gold medal. One of those national awards saw Dromiskin Tidy Towns presented with the Young Persons

Ardee Tidy Towns Committee..

in Tidy Towns trophy with Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Jerry Buttimer TD stating “It’s fantastic to see the next generation stepping forward bringing fresh ideas enthusiasm and leadership to TidyTowns. Blackrock Tidy Towns retained their gold medal at the awards and also had success in the Continued on Page 2

Dromiskin Tidy Towns Committee.

Dundalk Tidy Towns Committee.

Dundalk Leader 28th October 2026

Controversial hugging grandparents taken down after government intervention THE government have described a video produced by the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre (DRCC) involving the issue of consenting to hugs from grandparents as ‘inappropriate and demeaning’. A statement from Minister for Justice, Jim Callaghan said that his office had instructed the DRCC to remove the video. It has since been removed. “The video produced by the Dublin Rape Crisis Centre (DRCC) involving grandparents does not represent the views of the Government. It was both inap-

propriate and demeaning to grandparents and has been removed by DRCC following my official’s engagement with them. “It goes without saying that having loving grandparents in a child’s life is an incredibly positive thing to be cherished and not something to be campaigned against. While it is vital

From Page 1 youth categories winning the Sustainable Development Goals Award. Meanwhile Dundalk also retained their gold medal while also placing third in the Town Centre First Award. Joining Dromiskin, Blackrock and Dundalk in the gold medal standings were Ardee and Drogheda while Tallanstown and Carlingford received silver. Knockbridge took home bronze while Greenore was given an endeavour award. Ballinahown in Co. Westmeath named Ireland’s Tidiest Town and Overall winner of Ireland’s Tidiest Village. A spokesperson for Dundalk Tidy Towns stated that the organisation were delighted that the town had secured gold medal status every year since 2007. “Gold for Dundalk at the 2026 TidyTowns Ireland Awards!!! And we came 3rd in the Town Centre First Award! Well

done and a huge thank you to our wonderful volunteers, TUS workers with Louth Local Development and our project partners Louth County Council and Dundalk Town. “Well done to all the TidyTowns groups across the country, all 900+ of them and the 30,000 volunteers across Ireland for your dedication! “Thanks to all who help keep Dundalk a Tidy Town including the families, individuals, businesses, schools, residents associations and community organisations! We couldn’t have done it without you! “Dundalk has achieved gold medal status since 2007, no easy task in a town of 40,000+ So onwards and upwards, the planning starts for next year. If you’d like to be involved please get in touch!,” read the statement. Cllr. Dolores Minogue, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, con-

to ensure that people understand the concept of consent when it comes to sexual relationships, this video did not advance that aim and in many ways was counterproductive.” The video in question can be seen via the link below. https://x .com /europa / status/2112948272570503631?s=20

GOLD STANDARD! gratulated the local Tidy Towns groups, saying: “Louth has a strong tradition of community spirit and volunteerism. Today, nine local groups have been recognised for their dedication, creativity and commitment to making a positive difference. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to each of the Tidy Towns groups and thank them for their continued hard work in preserving and enhancing the character of their towns and villages.” David Conway, Chief Executive of Louth County Council, also extended his congratulations, highlighting the county’s strong performance in the competition: “This national recognition is a testament to the dedication and commitment of Tidy Towns volunteers across County Louth. Their work not only enhances the quality of life for residents but contributes to the cultural

and tourism offering of our county. Congratulations to each of the winning groups and to all the nominees who make a positive contribution in their local communities.” County winners in Louth -1st place – Dromiskin Tidy Towns -2nd Place - Blackrock Tidy Towns -3rd Place - Tallanstown Tidy Towns Dundalk, Drogheda, Ardee, Drmoiskin and Blackrock all received Gold medals at the event.

Two charges of endangerment A 38-YEAR-old man who faces a number of charges arising out of an incident on June 18th this year was remanded on continuing bail after being charged with new offences at Dundalk District Court. Dundalk District Court heard that Stefan Sharkey with an address at Thomas Street, Bessbrook, Co. Armagh faced two fresh charges of endangerment. On June 18th this year at Annavackey, Hackballscross, he is accused of overtaking on blind crest while on the wrong side of the road, causing a substantial risk of death or harm. As a result of an incident on the same date at Shelagh, he faces a similar charge as he is alleged to have

overtaken an articulated truck on a continuous white line while approaching a junction on the wrong side of the road. The defendant, who is currently in custody on other matters, had initially been charged with dangerous driving but those charges were withdrawn, as were charges of burglary and trespass from the same day. Mr Sharkey had previously been granted bail and his defence barrister argued that as the original bail was granted on the same set of facts, it should be extended to the new charges. Judge Derek Cooney agreed and remanded the defendant on continuing bail until December 2nd.

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Dundalk Leader 28th October 2026

Ardee “buzzing” over bypass breakthrough but it could still be years away

There’s finally some good news for Ardee’s long-awaited bypass following the recent agreement between Louth County Council and Friends of Ardee Bog, bringing renewed hope that the proposed 4.5km road will finally be built. However, the town could still be waiting until 2028 or later before construction even begins, councillors heard at the local authority’s October meeting. The breakthrough has been warmly welcomed by councillors, but Louth County Council has cautioned that there is still considerable work to be done, with detailed design and the purchase of additional land potentially taking up much of 2027 and possibly 2028 before construction can follow. Speaking at the meeting, Cllr Rachel Kerley welcomed the agreement but asked the question many people in Ardee have been wondering since the announcement, “when will the bypass be ready?” Director of Services David Jones said the council had already been in contact with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) following the agreement with Friends of Ardee Bog and that the response had been positive. “They remain committed to the project,” he said, although progress would still depend on funding and further approvals. “I wouldn’t like to give out timelines as such,” he told councillors, explaining that detailed design work must be completed and more land acquired as a result of the revised Part 8 that would have been approved back

Cllr Dolores Minogue. in 2021 to accommodate active travel measures. He indicated that this work could continue into 2028, with construction to follow, meaning Ardee still faces a considerable wait before the road is ready. Despite the work still ahead, the mood at the council meeting was upbeat with Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council Cllr Dolores Minogue, saying the bypass had become the main talking point in Ardee. “The whole town is just buzzing,” she said, thanking council officials and those who had worked to get the project moving again. She also acknowledged former TD Fergus O’Dowd, who she said had repeatedly raised the need for the road. Independent Cllr Jim Tenanty, Cathaoirleach of Ardee Municipal District, was equally pleased to see the agreement reached, paying tribute to council staff, former Minister Shane Ross, Cllr

Kevin Callan and past and present local representatives. “It was wonderful news when we received this that it’s going to go ahead, and hopefully, it won’t be long before it starts,” he said. Sinn Fein Cllr Pearse McGeough was keen that the contribution of local businesses should not be forgotten, singling out “the traders and business people who played a key role in bringing this across the line” and saying he looked forward to seeing the bypass get underway, while Independent Cllr Maeve Yore also welcomed the outcome, telling the meeting, “It’s amazing what communication and collaboration does, isn’t it? It’s absolutely fabulous”. Independent Cllr Kevin Callan described the agreement between the council and the group challenging the project as a remarkable achievement, saying, “I think that’s just remarkable. It’s really, really incredible.” He also praised the council for showing “incredible leadership” in finding a way forward. Cllr Kerley also acknowledged the years of work behind the project, saying there was hardly an Ardee Municipal District meeting at which the bypass had not been raised. “It might have taken a long time, but at least we’re here,” she said. Mr Jones said the council was keen to make progress now that a way forward had been agreed. “The key message is we’re going again. The firing gun has been shot to allow us to proceed,” he concluded.

Abusive to Gardaí after taking wrong medication

A DUNDALK woman who was abusive to Gardai after taking the wrong medication was spared a conviction after her case was struck out at Dundalk District Court. Majella Murtagh (51), Baron’s Way, Armagh Road, was told by Judge Derek Cooney that Gardai have a hard job to do and that her actions took them away from serious crimes elsewhere, He warned her she would get a second chance if she appeared again. The court heard that on September 28th this year Gardai were following up a call from the defendant at Barons Way, Armagh Road, Dundalk, where

they found her to be intoxicated and aggressive. The officers left her house and were waiting on an ambulance when Ms Murtagh came outside, became verbally abusive and threw objects at them. She called one Garda a bitch and said that her cat would eat and attack her before being arrested. In evidence, Ms Murtagh stated that she had taken the wrong medication and had been drinking. She apologised for her actions. Judge Cooney questioned why she had been drinking while on medication and reminded her that the Gardai had attended to assist her, but she had become

abusive. He pointed that she was fortunate only to be facing public order offences rather than more serious charges. The judge was told that the accused had no previous convictions and stated that it appeared to be a one-off. He stated that in such circumstances he would normally direct for a payment to be made to the Garda Benevolent Fund, however, as Ms Murtagh was on disability allowance, he would strike the matter out. “Gardai have a hard job to do and you were taking them away from serious crimes elsewhere. Don’t do it again as you won’t get a second chance”, stated Judge Cooney.

Dundalk Leader 28th October 2026

Uncle and nephew arrested following seizure of suspected explosive material in Carlingford Restaurant & Take Away EARL STREET

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Section Four of the Explosive Substances Act 1883. A statement from the Gardaí said that the find came as part of a longrunning investigation. “As part of a long-running investigation by the Garda Special Detective Unit, component parts and suspected explosive material were seized following a search in Co Louth today. The search was assisted by a Defence Forces EOD team. “Two men, one in his 50s and another in his 20s, have been ar-

rested as part of the investigation. Both are currently being detained at Garda stations in the north-east of the country under the Offences Against the State Act, 1939. Speaking last Friday, Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly said, “This is a particularly significant find. This search and arrest operation by our counter-terrorism unit, the Special Detective Unit (SDU), demonstrates the important work carried out by Garda national security personnel every day to pro-

tect people on this island. “It also shows that we must continue to degrade and dismantle the threat from those who are intent on destroying peace by harming others. “I have been in contact with the PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher this morning and our close cooperation in relation to countering dissident groups continues. I would also like to thank the Defence Forces for its assistance in today’s search operation.”

Five injured in crash near Ardee

FIVE people were taken to hospital on Sunday evening following a serious car crash on the N2 at Blakestown, Ardee. Gardaí and emergency services attended the scene of the traffic collision on the N2 at Blakestown, Ardee on Sunday evening (25th October).

The collision occurred at approximately 11:40pm and involved two cars. The occupants of one vehicle, two men (50s and late teens) and two woman (50s and 20s), were removed from the scene to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital Drogheda for treatment of serious injuries.

An occupant of the second vehicle, a male aged in his 30s, was also taken to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital Drogheda for treatment of injuries believed to be non-life threatening. The road was currently closed on Monday for technical examination by Forensic Collision Investi-

gators and local diversions were in place Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the collision to contact them. Any road users who were travelling in the area of the N2 at Blakestown, between 11:20pm and 11:50pm and who

may have camera footage (including dash-cam) are asked to make it available to Gardaí. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Drogheda Garda Station on 041 987 4200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.

Right: The students and staff of Coláiste Rís raised over €2k for Temple Street Children’s Hospital. Well done to all the students and staff who took part in a fancy dress on what was a brilliant day for charity.

Taize Prayer around the Cross ALL are welcome on Friday 6th November From 8pm -9pm, to “Taize Prayer Around The Cross”, in Candlelight at “Bethany” 34 Point Road, A91 Woc 9. Bring a friend. Followed by a cuppa.

1—Who won the Balon D’Or (for best footballer of the year) in London on Monday evening? 2—Which county play gaelic at Markievicz Park? 3—What relation is your mother’s aunt to you? 4—The Grand Canyon is in which US state? 5—Ta Tas is a well-known bar in Seatown. But what is the official name of the pub as per the sign above the door? 6—Apart from them all being former

QUIZ Presidents of the United States what else connects George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln? 7—In the original cartoon strip, what does Popeye have tattooed on his forearms? 8—Which famous joined the US Army on 24th March 1958?

9—In which month does the retail day known as Black Friday take place? 10—What mountain range extends through seven South American countries? The Stinker: On what day of the week is Thanksgiving celebrated in America?

—ANSWERS—

1—Harry Kane, 2—Sligo, 3—Greataunt, 4—Arizona, 5—O’Carrolls, 6—They are the four faces on Mount Rushmore, 7—Anchor, 8—Elvis Presley, 9—November, 10—Andes. The Stinker: Thursday.

Europa

TWO men have been arrested in Carlingford after suspected explosive materials were seized as part of a “counter-terrorism operation”. The suspects appeared before a late-night sitting of Dundalk District Court on Saturday. James McCormack, aged 58, of South Commons, Carlingford, Louth, and nephew Cillian McCormack, aged 24, originally from Co Louth but with an address at Church Hill, Dunlavin, Co Wicklow, were brought before the court. They were each charged under

Dundalk Leader 28th October 2026

Dundalk Sanctuary Runners Chigozie, Mayu and Sodiq enjoying the atmosphere.

Sanctuary Runners fly the flag for Louth at biggest ever Global Solidarity Run A LARGE group of Sanctuary Runners from Drogheda, Ardee and Dundalk attended the 3rd Global Solidarity Run, organised by Sanctuary Runners in Dublin last Sunday, when they joined over 800 Sanctuary Runners from all over Ireland to run/walk 5k in solidarity. The group proudly waved the Louth flag which could be spotted waving in the crowd at the scenic course at Sport Ireland, Dublin. People from all nationalities including people who have been forcibly displaced and people seeking protection in Ireland, and many local Irish people came along to a vibrant celebration of friendship and solidarity. The Sport Ireland Campus in Dublin was a sea of blue with people meeting other Sanctuary Runners groups for the first time and reconnecting with old friends. Many ran and walked together on the 5k course, and there was singing, dancing and a strong feeling of positivity and pride as everyone enjoyed the gorgeous sunshine. The President of Ireland, Catherine Connolly, who is also Patron of Sanctuary Runners, opened the event paying tribute to Sanctuary Runners, ‘To all of the dedicated volunteers in the over 43 branches around Ireland, who exemplify your ethos of solidarity through sport. Through your vision and your commitment to connecting people from different backgrounds and nationalities, you have provided a space where everyone is welcome, and where migrants and people seeking international protection can integrate into the local community. In identifying this gap, and in bringing people together in friendship and respect, you have created something truly special.’ Sanctuary Runners CEO, Anna Pringle, expressed her gratitude to President Connolly and all the partners whose support and commitment helped make the Global Solidarity Run such a resounding success. She reminded the attendees at the event, “We are here today as part of the Global Solidarity Run, which is taking place this weekend. In many countries around the world, people just like us are wearing their blue t-shirts and running or walking together to show solidarity with people who have been displaced and those living in extreme poverty. It is more important than ever that we stand in solidarity with people who are less fortunate.” Bláthnaid Quinn, an organiser

from Drogheda Sanctuary Runners was thrilled to be there, ‘We had such a wonderful day. Once again it was so much fun having all the Louth groups together on the bus to attend such a positive occasion. The atmosphere at the Global Solidarity Run was joyful and happy. It was moving to see so many people here from all corners of Ireland and beyond, coming together in solidarity for our friends and neighbours from many nationalities. We won’t forget it.’ Chigozie, originally from Nigeria, who runs with the Dundalk Sanctuary Runners group commented: ‘This event has been just fantastic. The singing, dancing and the friendship from everyone was wonderful. I’ve met people from other groups. It feels like one big family.’ Amina Moustafa, Senior Officer, Louth Local Development Company, with the Ardee Sanctuary Runners Group was delighted, ‘It was a memorable day. We had so much fun. Meeting the President of Ireland is a moment I will always cherish.’ Rachel Finegan, Healthy Ireland County Co-ordinator Louth, said: ‘Regular walking and running not only support physical and mental health, but also create opportunities for people to connect, build friendships and feel part of their community. The Sanctuary Runners are a wonderful example of inclusion and solidarity in action, and their participation in the Global Solidarity Run highlighted the positive role they play in fostering welcoming and connected communities across County Louth. We are pleased to support their ongoing work.’ Ryan McShane, Senior Sports Officer, Louth Sports Partnership added, ‘Louth Local Sports Partnership is delighted to continue supporting Sanctuary Runners across the county. It has been fantastic to see the group take part in the recent Global Solidarity Run, bringing people from diverse backgrounds together through sport and community. The continued growth of Sanctuary Runners in the county is a testament to the welcoming and inclusive environment they have created, going from strength to strength and making a positive impact on communities across Louth.’ Drogheda, Ardee and Dundalk groups meet twice a month, everyone is welcome. Drop in whenever you can, and get a free iconic blue Sanctuary Runners t-shirt. You will always, always be welcome.

Dundalk Leader 28th October 2026

LOUTH 2026 BUSINESS AWARDS A CROWNING SUCCESS FOR IT’S FINALISTS AND WINNERS

A RECORD crowd attended the Louth Business Awards organised by Dundalk Chamber of Commerce in the Fairways Hotel on Saturday, the 17th of October. The Louth Business Awards is the premier business awards for the North East region. With over 23 categories, Dundalk Chamber saw a record number of applications in 2026 as its membership and services continue to grow. Speaking after the successful awards night, Chamber President Hanna McDonnell said: “The Louth Business Awards is a fantastic evening that is focused on celebrating our businesses, their achievements, and everything good that Dundalk has to offer. We were abso-

lutely overwhelmed with the huge amount of applications and the high standard that was set by all, which naturally made the decision-making process extremely tight for our judges. With over 450 people in attendance and a record number of applications, our 2026 Awards are a real testament to the strength and depth of our Chamber membership.” Protection & Prosperity Financial Services sponsored the Lifetime Achievement Award, and the 2026 winner was Frank Lynch from Frank Lynch & Company. It was a fitting tribute to Frank’s outstanding business and sporting achievements that his Lifetime Achievement Award was presented by

Frank Lynch receives his award from Paddy Keenan.

Paddy Keenan, Louth GAA All Star, as well as Principal and Senior Financial Consultant at Dundalk Chamber’s corporate sponsor, PPFS. The Award was presented to Frank in recognition of his contribution to the Dundalk Business community

since the 1960s. Frank outlined how he established his accountancy business in the 1960s and built it up over the decades to the successful practice it is today. Being a former 1957 AllIreland Winner, Frank also outlined his views on the success of Louth

LOUTH STUDENT AWARDED 2026 NAUGHTON FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP WORTH €24,000 ON Saturday, October 17th, 2026, County Louth student Kian Blanchet was awarded a €24,000 Naughton Foundation Scholarship at Trinity College’s Business School, Dublin where founding patron Carmel Naughton was joined by Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD, Minister for Health to present winning students with their awards and cheques. The Naughton Foundation Scholarship Awards nurture Ireland’s next generation of talent by supporting exceptional students as they pursue third-level degrees in engineering, science, technology and mathematics. Through its continued investment in STEM education, the Foundation is helping to shape the future of Irish innovation while strengthening the country’s global reputation for excellence. This year’s Louth scholarship recipient, Liam Blanchet a former student of Dundalk Grammar School, has accepted a place to study Theoretical Physics at Trinity College Dublin. Since its establishment by Dr Martin and Carmel Naughton in 2008, the Naughton Foundation has awarded over €7 million in scholarships to more than 480 exceptional students. Originally launched across just three counties, the programme expanded nationwide in 2016, ensuring at least one €24,000 scholarship is awarded in every county and 11 additional awards allocated. Each scholarship provides €6,000 annually towards a student’s threeor four-year undergraduate degree, with 37 scholarships awarded to students across Ireland this year alone.

School rep Jonathan Graham, Kian Blanchet from Dundalk Grammar School, Carmel Naughton, Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD and Linda Doyle Provost of Trinity College Dublin. The prize winner’s former secondary school, Dundalk Grammar School, was awarded a prize of €1,000 towards their school’s science facilities, for their support of their winning student. Speaking at the ceremony Carmel Naughton said “For many years, Martin and I have had the privilege of meeting and supporting some of Ireland’s brightest young students through the Naughton Foundation. What began as a shared belief in the importance of education has grown into a wonderful community of scholars, whose achievements continue to inspire us year after year. While this is an emotional occasion for our family without Martin here to share it, I can think of no better way to celebrate his life and legacy than by recognising the ambition, dedication and extraordinary potential of this year’s scholarship recipients. Martin believed these young people would become the leaders and innovators of tomorrow,

and it gives me immense pride to see that vision continue. Supporting the next generation of Irish talent is a legacy we are deeply committed to carrying forward.” Minister Carroll MacNeill extended her congratulations to all of this year’s winners “ These scholarships celebrate not only academic excellence, but also curiosity, determination and the ambition to make a difference. You have given us reason to be hopeful about the future.” She also paid tribute to Martin Naughton and to the tremendous legacy that he has left behind. “Martin was a believer in the importance of education and in providing the youth with a chance to realise their dreams and aspirations. Through the Naughton Foundation, Martin and Carmel have done something very special that has made the lives of so many young people better and which will continue to do so in years to come.”

GAA and the huge benefit the new stadium will have for Dundalk. Aidan Callan of Dundalk Skillnet said: “As the premier sponsor, we’re proud to celebrate businesses that turn ideas into impact. Our Skillnet has invested over €3 million in skills development since inception, supporting over 4,000 learners from more than 800 companies across Dundalk and County Louth. It is wonderful to see that many of those companies are finalists and winners across the categories.” Dundalk Chamber CEO John McGahon said: “The last 12 months in Dundalk Chamber have seen several successful wins for our Chamber. Several of our recommenda-

tions in our Pre-Budget submission were implemented by Government in Budget 2027. The move to our brand-new premises on Clanbrassil Street and a substantial increase in our membership all set the tone for a successful 2027. We have really embarked on a reforming agenda here in the Chamber. We are introducing a range of corporate governance improvements, setting firm foundations, and expanding our membership and services that will ensure the Chamber will continue to be the premier business organisation in the region and the champion of Dundalk business.” The winners in the various categories for the Louth Business

Awards 2026 were as follows: Retail of the Year: KT Travel Best Personal Service: Hestia Design Best Licensed Premises: Ballymascanlon Hotel & Golf Resort Best Dining Experience: The Rum House Visit Louth Tourism: OnYerBike Carlingford Training and Development Awards: Bright Beginnings Dundalk & Dun Dealgan Childcare Best Professional Service: UHY Farrelly Dawe White Limited Young Entrepreneur Conor McFadden: First Class Facilities Ltd T/A Frist Class Clean Green Champion: ZOMA Best Voluntary Community Group: Walk Peer Louth

Export and Global Impact: The Whiskey Hub Innovation Award: Alternative Heat Ltd Best Digital Presence: Rocksalt Café New Business of the Year: First Class Facilities Ltd T/A Frist Class Clean Best Establish Micro Small Business: Irish Whiskey Auctions/The Whiskey Hub Best Family Run Business: Carlingford Oyster Company Outstanding Medium Business: Jevens Design Ltd Large Business: Anord Mardix Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Award: Irish Life Assurance plc Overall Winner for Best Business: Rocksalt Cafe

Free Halloween films and history talks lined up at County Museum HALLOWEEN film favourites and talks on Irish history and identity are set to take place in the coming weeks, with a series of free events in October and November at County Museum Dundalk, with Louth County Council inviting the public to enjoy the diverse programme. Hosted by the museum, the film programme for families includes five afternoon film screenings during the Halloween mid-term break, followed by three evening events exploring everything from Ireland’s island identity to the origins of the peace process in Northern Ireland. The daily Halloween film screenings run from Tuesday 27th October to Saturday, 31st October, with a different film showing each day at 2.30pm. Goosebumps kicks things off on Tuesday 27th, followed by Hotel Transylvania on Wednesday 28th, Maleficent on Thursday 29th and Ghostbusters on Friday 30th, while Hocus Pocus wraps up the programme on Halloween, Saturday 31st October. Children are encouraged to come along to the events in their Halloween costumes to en-

Halloween film favourites will take place in the County Museum, Dundalk. joy the selection of seasonal films on show. In November, the museum will turn its attention to Irish history, identity and public life with three evening lectures and discussions. Getting the lecture series underway on Wednesday, 11th November at 7pm, Professor Michael Cronin will be discussing his latest book, Why It Matters to Be an Island. His talk will explore how Ireland’s island status continues to shape its future, touching on issues like geography, climate change and national identity. On Thursday, 12th November at 6.30pm, the museum will host a live podcast recording entitled History,

Heritage and Identity: What Makes Us Who We Are?. Supported by the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport’s Night-time Economy initiative, this panel discussion will feature Dr Siobhra Aiken of Queen’s University Belfast, Professor Donal Hassett of Maynooth University and Linda Ervine of the Turas Irish language project. Together, they will explore what Irish Identity means to different communities. The series concludes on Thursday 19th November at 7pm, when historian and author Ian McBride will discuss his book, The Origins of the Northern Ireland Peace Process: Self-Determination, Consent and the

Downing Street Declaration. County Museum curator Brian Walsh said the lecture series “cuts to the heart of who we are and the events that have shaped us to this day.” “Each talk will explain our past, how this influences our daily lives and will help guide us as we look to plan the future. It promises to be an exceptionally interesting series,” he said. All events are free of charge, but advance booking is essential. Reservations can be made by contacting County Museum Dundalk on 042 939 2999. Online booking through Eventbrite will be available for the evening lecture series from Thursday, 22nd October.

Dundalk Leader 28th October 2026

Louth Mavericks set sights on more success after historic championship season THE Louth Mavericks are preparing to return to pre-season training for 2027 following the most successful campaign in the club’s history, having been crowned All-Ireland Premier National Champions at the end of the 2026 season. The Mavericks secured the ultimate prize in Irish American football with a commanding 40–16 victory in the Shamrock Bowl, cementing their place at the top of the domestic game and setting the stage for an exciting new chapter for the club. Head Coach Ty Henry will return for the 2027 campaign after an outstanding start to his tenure. Henry guided the Mavericks to the Harp Bowl Division One Championship in his first season in charge in 2025, before following that success with a Shamrock Bowl triumph in his second year. His first two seasons have marked a remarkable period of progress for the Louth side. The defending champions will also welcome back some of the key figures behind their recent success. Returning to the squad are Shamrock Bowl MVP Oisín Finn, Harp Bowl MVP Finn O’Donovan and defensive captain Alex Simms, alongside a deep and talented team determined to build on the club’s historic achievements. Away from the senior team’s success, the Mavericks have also been building for the future. The club has established a youth team, two mixed flag football teams and a women’s flag football team, creating more opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to get involved in the sport. That growth is being matched by a significant influx of new players, with more people than ever keen to give American football a try. The club’s expanding presence reflects the grow-

ing interest in the game locally, as well as the Mavericks’ efforts to make the sport more accessible throughout the county. The club has also enjoyed a number of high-profile opportunities to represent the sport in Ireland. Last year, the Mavericks were tasked with presenting the American and Irish flags ahead of an NFL game at Croke Park. They have also served as ambassadors for the college football game held at the Aviva Stadium each August, helping promote the sport as part of the annual season-opening Newly crowned All Ireland Premier National Champions, Louth Mavericks, enjoyed their most succesful season to date. event. Now, however, the challenge is different. Having reached the summit of Irish American football, the Mavericks enter 2027 as defending champions, with expectations higher than ever. No longer viewed as the “wee club in the wee county”, the Louth side are determined to build on their success and establish themselves as the benchmark for American football in Ireland, while helping drive the sport’s continued growth across Europe. With championship success, an expanding programme and a growing player base, the Mavericks are aiming to show that their achievements are the beginning of something bigger rather than the end of a journey. The club is actively recruiting new players ahead of the 2027 season, and no previous experience is required. Anyone interested in trying American football or flag football is encouraged to contact the Louth Mavericks through their social media channels for further information. For a club that has already made history, the next season promises to be another exciting opportunity to put Louth on the map.

Eight months in prison for man who caused injuries to innocent bystander during altercation A MAN who caused significant injuries to an innocent bystander during an altercation outside Dundalk District Court was sentenced to eight months in prison. Jonathan Judge (23) of Irish St, Ardee, admitted the offence when he appeared at Dundalk District Court and also pleaded guilty to public order offences. The court heard that on May 17th, 2023, the accused was standing at the door of the court house when he became involved in an argument with another man. While Gardai were arresting Mr Judge, he knocked a woman off the step. She was hospitalised as a result of her injuries. Evidence was also given that on October 23rd, 2025, the defendant approached a male outside a pub on Peter St, Drogheda, and began kicking and punching him. He was aggressive towards Gardai at the scene and arrested. Defence barrister Noah Rossiter stated that his client had endured a harrowing childhood and his parents split up when he was young. His father had been involved in criminality and the defendant also became

involved in crime and a feud. He added that at the time of the offence Mr Judge was “off his head on drugs”. “He was never given a fair crack from the beginning. He is now at risk of being institutionalised as he has spent a significant part of his life in custody and wants the opportunity to get back on the straight and narrow. He has a partner and two children but has never got the bounce of the ball in life and he is asking the court to give him that. “He accepts what he did was wrong and a serious incident but asks the court to be as lenient as possible”, stated Mr Rossiter who explained that his client is currently in custody on another matter and due for release in November of this year. He pointed out that the accused had been doing well in custody. Judge Derek Cooney stated that while the defendant’s actions were not intentional, Gardai were trying to restrain him when an innocent bystander suffered significant injuries. He imposed an eight month sentence in relation to the assault, taking other matters into consideration.

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Dundalk Leader 28th October 2026

WATCHING YOUR WASTE: CLAIRE HUGHES SENIOR By Paul Byrne COUNTY Councils in Ireland are responsible for enforcing waste legislation, regulating local waste collection and facility permits, managing civic amenity and recycling centres, and combatting illegal dumping and littering under national frameworks like the Waste Management Act. Responsibilities for our Local Authority when it comes to Waste Management include: Regulation and Permitting: Enforce waste permits for local collectors, facilities, and commercial waste operations, and oversee regional waste plans. Civic Amenity Sites: Operate public recycling centres and civic amenity sites (such as those managed by Louth County Council) for household waste, bulky items, and WEEE. Enforcement and Compliance: Inspect waste practices, enforce household waste segregation rules (like food waste separation), and maintain waste registration bye-laws. Litter and Illegal Dumping: Deploy litter wardens, investigate illegal dumping sites, track offenders through evidence, and utilize authorized CCTV or mobile recording tools. Public Awareness: Promote waste reduction, recycling initiatives, and proper disposal channels via programs and platforms like mywaste.ie. Louth County Council’s Claire Hughes is the person charged with ensuring all of the above responsibilities are adhered to and recently the Monaghan native sat down with the Dundalk Leader to explain what exactly it is her job entails. “My name is Claire Hughes. I’m a Senior Executive Engineer here in the Environment and Operations Department in Louth County Council. I’m from Monaghan Town originally. I went to Trinity College in Dublin before graduating in 2006 with a degree in Civil, Structural and Environmental engineering. I always knew I wanted to work in councils because even as a student I did summer schemes and placement schemes and I did three years working in councils over the summer when I was student so I was never going to work anywhere else really,” explains Claire “I’m here in Louth about four years. Before that I was in the Housing section in Meath for a number of years and I have

also worked in Road Design in Monaghan before that and Offaly County Council so all in all I have about twenty years served in Local Authorities so far. My whole career has been spent working with County Councils and I’ve worked in pretty much every department including Roads, Housing, Environment, Water so yeah I suppose I’m probably a Jack of all trades, master of none,” laughs Claire. WIDE SCOPE OF CLAIRE’S ROLE “I suppose the whole remit of the environment is changing all the time and there’s a lot that falls under the umbrella of the Environment section here, especially in Louth. As I said I’m the Senior Executive Engineer over the Department and I report to a Senior Executive Officer and then he reports obviously to a Director. Then below me then I would cover the litter side of the house, waste side of the house, water quality, which covers everything from septic tank inspections to water complaints pollution events, oil spill response, sampling of all the rivers in the county as well. And then we would have rural water as well so we would deal with the group schemes and obviously then people with private wells and issuing grants for them as well. We also have animal control which would have originally been a separate sort of entity here in Louth County Council but it was moved under the Environmental section in recent years. We would also have our admin team as well who would dip in and out of all the different sections. RESPONSE TO RIVER GLYDE POLLUTION INCIDENT “That was something that originated in Monaghan just across the border in a farmyard and Monaghan County Council would have taken the lead in that but we would have worked very closely with them as we were dealing with the effects of that spill at the time. We would have dealt with the inland fisheries who would have been out taken our samples and checking obviously the action levels in the river and the likes of that as well. We are 24 hours on call and the likes of Sean Callaghan from the water quality team is fantastic at his job and would be 24 hours on call with regards to any polluting event. He’s very hands on and he is always on the scene when we have any pollution incidents around the county in our rivers.

is the dumpers just move on and USING ENGINEERING find a new location. If somebody QUALIFICATIONS IN wants to dump they will dump. THE ROLE “You’d be surprised at what is dumped. Obviously we would find the Cooley area would specifically be for tyres and the likes of that. It is very very difficult to monitor that as a litter warden. You cannot be everywhere at once and these incidents normally happen at night and are normally from people coming from across the border which make it very difficult for us to follow up because we cannot follow up with another jurisdiction legally. Our hands are tied in cases like that as we can only follow people from this jurisdiction. AMNESTIES

Claire Hughes. waste, the general rule is litter is what is viewable from a public space. So we have a great team of five full time litter wardens, generally it is six but we have a vacancy at the moment as somebody retired there recently. The county is split into a number of different areas. We have two wardens here in Dundalk, two in Drogheda, one in the Cooley North area of the county and then one as well in the Drogheda rural side of the county. We get well over 1500 complaints every year directly relating to litter ie a bag of rubbish outside my front wall or a bag of rubbish dumped here, there or wherever. “Our litter wardens would be very hands on with regards to responding to the likes of that as in they go out, investigate and look for evidence before issuing any fixed penalty notices should anybody be liable for based on the evidence they have found.

“The waste side of the house then is what you don’t see from the public space so let’s say it could be in yards, in fields, or dumped in different places away from the public eye. And we have three full time waste enforcement officers then that would deal and investigate in those complaints and follow them under he Waste Management Act and the Litter Pollution Act. If we get word that there has been a dumping incident in an alleyway let’s say then our litter wardens go out straight away in their vans. If you rang in and told us there was a black bin dumped outside your house hey would arrive and go through the bag looking for evidence as to who did the dumping. It’s LITTER AND WASTE not a nice job sometimes as you “With regards to litter and can imagine given what they are

dealing with. I remember one of them saying to me one day ‘once the bag isn’t jumping I’m happy enough’, laughs Claire. “They are trained for these types of incidents and they are well used to them. It’s not a nice job but unfortunately it has to be done and they are fantastic at it. The response time for them is excellent and if I rang somebody now within five minutes they would be at the scene. As I said we issue Fixed Penalty Notices if we get evidence of who has done the dumping but unfortunately it is very difficult to get evidence as the people who dump are becoming very smart with regards to moving anything that might reveal their name, address or contact details. And under GDPR it is very hard for us to follow up any different lines of enquiry that we may have been able to do a few years ago.

“We get a budget from the Department for anti-dumping initiatives and we have been lucky enough to get 80-90k with the majority of that going on the likes of the mattress and sofa amnesties which we hold at our Civic Amenity sites here in Dundalk, Drogheda and Ardee. I think we had over 2,500 mattresses and couches under our most recent amnesty this year so they are massive numbers and show that the initiative is working. TOXIC SLUDGE

“Over the last number of years incidents of dumping toxic sludge is probably not happening as regularly as it was perhaps a decade ago. There is a certain number every year but in recent years there has been about 20-30 IBCs ((Intermediate Bulk Containers, typically 1,000-litre plastic cubes)dumped whereas it used to be as much as 200300 IBCs dumped. That costs a lot of money to clean up but all that money is recouped from the USING CCTV TO CATCH department so with regards to DUMPERS cost it doesn’t matter if we clean “We have CCTV now. The up 20 IBCs a year or 200 we are new regulations were imple- able to recoup 100% of the cost mented with regards to the use in dealing with that. of CCTV specifically for en“As you can imagine when forcement for the likes of litter you have IBCs dumped it’s not etc. Only recently we were able just a case of being able to take to bring that back in again due the changes of regulation. We them somewhere and getting have engaged an external con- rid of them. The stuff is so heavtractor that have put up the cam- ily toxic that we have to get a eras for us at different locations specialist company to come in that have been prone to dump- and deal with it. They decant it ing incidents down through the and the liquid end of it is taking years. They would normally pick away down to a facility down the up registration plates of cars and country whereas the sludge part then from there we would have itself has to go abroad to be disto go through the data processor posed of. “With regards to the issue of which can be difficult as even the smallest technicality can get dumping this toxic sludge that the case thrown out by a judge. mainly comes down to the RevWhile the cameras are helping enue and Gardaí to deal with in relation to blackspots unfor- and find the culprits whereas we tunately what tends to happen actually deal with the clean-up.

“I suppose back in the day when I first started out it would have been very much so in the different sections I was working in, very much engineering work in terms of pricing, putting together bills of quantity and responding to how to deal with reinstatement on roads and knowing what macadam was being put down and the likes of that. As you spend more and more time in the organisation and as you come up into mid management level then you are becoming more of a project manager as opposed to a more hands on dealing engineer thinking wise if that makes sense? You are managing budgets, managing people, managing resources and managing time. But you always have the theoretical background knowledge to fall back on. For example I spent twenty minutes on a phone-call with a member of the public earlier on discussing issues he was having with his septic tank and I was able to give him advice as to how to resolve his issues so it is always good to have the mix of both. “An engineering qualification is an excellent qualification to have because you are dealing with figures, you’re dealing with theory, you’re dealing with project management, you’re dealing with people and all the likes of that. “When I went to Trinity I started in 2002 and there was a class of let’s say 200 people and about 20 of those were girls. So then we all specialised after two years. Some of us did Mechanical Engineering, some did Electronic Engineering and then a large cohort of us did Civil Engineering. It’s great to see that more and more girls are doing engineering now. I would do school visits now and meet with primary school kids and ask them if they know what an engineer is and what do they do. And even today some of the kids would say to me ‘that’s a man’s job’ and I just find that so strange and I’d reply ‘oh gosh it’s not. It’s there for everybody. They have this thing in their head that maths is too hard and I tell them that as long as you spend time on it, it will click just like any other subject. But yeah, I do think that engineering is fantastic course to get into in third level and it opens up many doors for you. EDUCATING THE PUBLIC “We have a fantastic communications team with Aine who

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Dundalk Leader 28th October 2026

EXECUTIVE ENGINEER IN THE ENVIRONMENT SECTION From Page 12 started last year and Gavin and they do great work in getting our messages out to the general public. If we want to get our message out there or launch a media campaign we have experts who can do that for us. We use our website with regards to putting up updates or putting up new information leaflets that might come from the Department. We also have a new CRM system which is fantastic. (The CRM is Louth County Council’s Customer Relationship Management centralised portal which allows citizens to manage council interactions through a single online account. Customers can report issues, request services, make payments and track pro-

gress of any submitted queries in real time) “It is so real time and gets to us straight away and you know we have to respond to it and update it as we investigate complaints. Let’s say you ring us anonymously about a complaint you can check out the status of that complaint as it progresses. That helps get our message out to people as well. We are here to serve the people that is our role in Louth County Council. Having that direct link to them via CRM and letting them see that we are working on their complaints is very important. USING MODERN TECHNOLOGY TO IMPROVE SERVICES “We have embraced technol-

ogy and I suppose the CRM system I spoke about earlier is a good example of that. The likes of a Litter Warden can now get a notification on the phone telling him of any dumping incidents across the County and he can get in his van and deal with that straight away. Before that it would have been a phone-call into us and then an email to the Litter Warden and it would have been just so much more time consuming. The new system has really changed how we operate within our own section and how we update members of the public which leads to less frustration from the public who now know their complaints are being acted upon.

DOG FOULING “Dog fouling is under our remit and I know that there hasn’t been many fines issued but that is because it is incredibly difficult to catch. You need to be there witnessing it yourself and a lot of people walk their dogs outside normal working hours at times there wouldn’t necessarily be wardens out on the job at those times doing their normal day to day duties. It’s very very difficult to issue fines because of that unless let’s say you had a witness statement from somebody. Then we could issue a fine on the basis of that. WORKING WITH TIDY TOWNS GROUPS “We would have regular meetings with the Tidy Towns

Groups specifically coming up to the IBALS (Irish Business And Litter Awards) who carry out surveys across eh country twice a year. We generally take the results of the previous survey and continue to work on the areas that need improving. The difficulties that we do face is that sometimes the judges point out private areas that need work and mark us down and so that means we have to go and try and deal with landowners which can be time consuming. DO YOU ENJOY YOUR JOB? “I do yeah. I have always enjoyed working in local authorities. It doesn’t matter what section you work in, it is always so diverse. The variety of issues you deal with during a day ensure

it is never boring. Weather can play a part in how your day pans out. You could have overflows and spills that need to be dealt with. There is court cases, solicitors etc. Obviously sometimes it is not a pleasant experience and you are not a popular person when you are in an enforcement section. Whereas if you are in a grant section you are the best in the world,” laughs Claire. “The whole point of working in a County Council is to deal with and serve the public. I am acutely aware of that. It’s very important that people continue to ring us up when they see dumping or something that isn’t right. The public are our eyes and ears on the ground and we need them to help us,” concluded Claire.

Increase in Litter Fines LATEST STATS FOR CLAIRE Hughes, Senior Executive Engineer in the Environment Section has welcomed the recent increase on litter fines from €150 to €250, stating that she is hopeful the new figure will lead to a reduction in littering and dumping. “From the 1st of September the Fixed Penalty Notice increased from €150 to €250 which is a massive increase. Obviously that came from government level. We are really hoping that that is even more of a deterrent to stop people from dumping and littering across the county. €250 is a lot of money so we are hoping that will lead to reductions in dumping. Minister of State with responsibility for the Circular Economy Alan Dillon echoed those words stating that he hoped the increase would send a clear message that littering is unacceptable. “There must be consequences for littering. Those who drop litter impose costs on communities, local authorities and taxpayers. The increase in fines sends a clear message that littering is unacceptable and that the polluter must pay. Most people dispose of their waste responsibly. It is unfair that the actions of a small minority can spoil public spaces for everyone else.” Minister Dillon highlighted the ongoing nationwide antilitter awareness campaign – ‘Bin it or bring it home’. The campaign is run by the Regional Waste Management Planning Offices, and supported by the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment. The Minister explained: “Enforcement is important, but education and awareness

• Fixed-payment fine for littering increases from €150 to €250 from 1st September 2026) • Higher fines reinforce the ‘polluter pays’ principle

2026 TO DATE FROM ENVIRONMENT SECTION

• Measure aims to deter littering and support cleaner communities

are equally important. The message is simple: if there is not a bin nearby, take your litter home. The same applies to dog waste. Every one of us has a role to play in keeping Ireland clean.” Minister Dillon said the combination of stronger enforcement, targeted investment and public awareness would help drive further improvements in litter levels and support the government’s wider circular economy objectives. He noted that cleaner streets, parks and beaches improve quality of life, support tourism, protect biodiversity and strengthen community pride. He concluded: “Through higher fines, improved infrastructure and sustained public awareness, we are

taking practical steps to build cleaner, healthier and more attractive communities throughout Ireland.” The National Litter Pollution Monitoring System (NLPMS) has been operating since 1999 and provides annual data on litter pollution trends nationwide. The NLPMS generates, by means of local authority surveys (over 5,000 in 2025), reliable data to enable each local authority to measure, accurately over time, changes in the extent and composition of litter pollution in their functional areas, thus enabling more effective litter management planning. The 2025 NLPMS shows continued improvements in litter levels across Ireland.

LOUTH County Council has dealt with dozens of annual dumping incidents especially close to the border, costing taxpayers hundreds of thousands of euros in specialized cleanup operations. While incidents had been becoming less frequent over the last number of years there has been a worrying increase in IBC’s dumped this year. Number of diesel sludge IBCs collected by Louth County Council this year so far and last year in total: 2025: Total of 46 ibc’s and 59 25 litre drums 2026: So far 85 ibc’s and 2 25l drums

• No. of litter case referrals in 2026 so far – 1944 cases • No. of water pollution complaints in 2026 so far -144 cases • No. of waste referrals in 2026 so far – 236 cases • No. of well grants processed this year – 41 processed to date • No. of farm inspections completed so far in 2026- 63 completed to date • No. of planning applications assessed this year so far – 404 applications were reviewed for environmental conditions and compliance • Air pollution

complaints: 55 to date this year • Noise pollution complaints: 49 to date this year • Operational and surveillance river sampling: 102 samples taken to date • Discharge licence assessment and site visits: 127 assessments to date • 13 inspections of septic tank and 1 grant issued • Bathing water samples in 2026: 147 samples, no failures in 2026, all 4 sites good to excellent quality • We also conduct landfill monitoring in the section too.

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Dundalk Leader 28th October 2026

Dundalk Leader Local Democracy Reports By LAUREN ROSS l lauren@dundalkleader.com

“BEGINNING TO LOOK Calls for action over parking problems on Ardee Road LIKE BLACKPOOL” —Call for action over Dundalk shop signs BRIGHTLY lit shop signs are making parts of Dundalk town centre look like Blackpool, according to a Dundalk councillor who has called for action over what she believes is unauthorised signage on some of the town’s main streets. Independent Cllr Maeve Yore raised the issue at the October meeting of Louth County Council, questioning why shops were being allowed to display signs she said were out of keeping with the town’s streetscape and the council’s own shopfront guidelines. She was referring to the stretch from the top of Park Street towards St Nicholas Quarter, and said the area was “beginning to look like Blackpool” because of what she described as “tacky fluorescent lettering”. She also pointed to examples around Francis Street and Clanbrassil Street, including vape shops and raised concerns about the use of raised and illuminated signs. Cllr Yore told the meeting shopfront signs should be in keeping with neighbouring properties, rather than detracting from the appearance of the streets they occupy. “Urgent action is needed,” she said, asking, “What action are we taking?”

The bright lights at Blackpool seafront. Louth County Council’s own Shopfront Design Guidelines favour individually mounted or hand-painted lettering and state that plastic or neon signs will not be permitted. Internally illuminated box signs are also deemed unacceptable, although the guidelines allow for more discreet forms of lighting. In response, a council official confirmed that a number of the premises the councillor had mentioned already had files open and were being followed up by the local authority.

It was also explained that where signage does not comply with planning requirements, the council has a process to follow, including issuing warnings before proceeding to enforcement action where necessary. “We are constantly reviewing,” the official said, adding that the council would be happy to take another look at the main streets. They added the matter was under ongoing review but did not identify which premises had open files or indicate when the cases might be resolved.

Council explains why environmental complaints jumped by 64% in Louth MORE than 1,100 extra environmental complaints were recorded in Louth last year, but the council says much of the increase was down to a change in how it counts them. Figures published by the National Oversight and Audit Commission (NOAC) show that Louth County Council recorded 2,829 complaints in 2025, up from 1,721 the previous year. That was a rise of just over 64%, the second highest percentage increase in the country. Green Party Cllr Marianne Butler raised the figures at the

October meeting of Louth County Council, asking the council to explain why there had been such a big jump. Council official David Hanratty explained the difference was largely down to how complaints were recorded because Louth mainly counted complaints entered into its computer system, but other councils also counted inspections and patrols carried out by litter wardens. “We had a narrower definition of what a complaint was as it generated something in our CRM system,” he told the meet-

ing. “Most local authorities record every inspection done by litter wardens and every patrol done as a recorded complaint, so that has resulted in that jump of 1000 over 12 months, but you will see consistency next year with this year’s figure. “This was really a one-off to bring us in line with other local authorities in the way we report,” Mr Hanratty explained. The council’s October management report also shows that 206 litter investigations were carried out during September, with 29 fixed penalty notices issued.

TRAIN commuters leaving their cars near Dundalk Grammar School and drivers parking on double yellow lines at the nearby roundabout have prompted calls for changes to parking arrangements along the Ardee Road. Fianna Fail Cllr Shane McGuinness told the October meeting of Louth County Council that people using the train station were leaving their cars on the Ardee Road beside the Garda Station, creating a “serious parking issue outside the secondary school.” Because of this, he suggested extending pay parking up the Ardee road to stop cars parking there. Independent Cllr Ciarán Fisher then raised concerns about cars being parked in the second lane of the nearby roundabout, which he said was contributing to traffic backing up from the train station and Anne Street. Although the road markings had been remarked and incorrect pay-parking signage corrected,

Cllr. Shane McGuinness. Cllr Fisher said drivers were continuing to park on the double yellow lines and more enforcement was needed. “There are double yellow lines on the roundabout and there’s cars constantly parked in the second lane of the roundabout which is one of the main causes of the backlog of traffic coming down from the train station and coming up from Anne Street,” he told the meeting. “If we have put down yellow

lines on a roundabout and people are parking on a roundabout during the working day and it’s causing traffic to backlog, that needs to be enforced.” Cllr Fisher added that he would welcome that area being included in the pay parking review, which he said was supposed to happen this year. “We’re running out of 2026 but I do think it would be worth looking at,” he remarked. It was also his understanding that the low-cost safety team was going to look into removing some of the yellow lines near the Grammar School so that parking bays could be put in, “to stop that road getting narrowed,” and he asked for an update on that. Acting Director of Operations David Hanratty replied that he would refer the pay-parking issue to the council’s finance section and refer to an engineer for an update regarding the road safety concerns raised.

First CPO under €7m dereliction scheme sees Dundalk house lined up for €230,000 sale FIRST CPO under €7m dereliction scheme sees Dundalk house lined up for €230,000 sale The first house acquired by Louth County Council through compulsory purchase under its €7 million dereliction scheme is set to be sold for €230,000, after councillors agreed to its disposal at the council’s October meeting. The two-storey redbrick house at St Kevin’s on Carrickmacross Road, Dundalk, was acquired through a compulsory purchase order (CPO) before being advertised for sale, with the hope that it will be

renovated and brought back into use as a home. Green Party Cllr Marianne Butler welcomed the development, describing it as “a momentous day for the council” and a “win for the community that the derelict property is going to somebody who is going to turn it into a home.” She acknowledged having previously criticised the council for not making greater use of the fund but was delighted to see the first CPO reach this stage. “I do appreciate the CPO process is a very long process so for this coming to the table to-

day, I just want to say a big well done to all the staff involved,” she told the meeting. “We really need more of this.” She added, “I know even beginning that process sometimes is the wake-up call for people who own these properties to actually dispose of them and do something with them so it’s absolutely fantastic.” The €7 million was allocated in 2023 under the Government’s Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) Call 3 programme to tackle vacancy and dereliction in Dundalk and Drogheda.

Director of Services David Jones explained that under the URDF scheme, the aim is that the council intervenes, acquires the property either by CPO or voluntarily, and proceeds to dispose of the property on the open market. Then, he said, the private market can attract a buyer or developer to develop the property into a future home for somebody. “So this particular property falls under that category, hence the reason it is being disposed of, as opposed to being retained by the council,” said Mr Jones.

Call for zebra crossing at Fane View in Blackrock CHILDREN trying to cross the busy Blackrock Road to catch their morning buses need a safer way of getting across, Fianna Fail Cllr Shane McGuinness has told the local authority at this month’s

meeting of Louth County Council. “It’s quite a big estate, but the kids are trying to get across the road, especially in the mornings for buses, and the road has become so busy,” he said.

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Responding, Louth County Council’s Acting Director of Operations, David Hanratty, said he would refer the request to a road safety engineer to examine whether a crossing or another measure was warranted.

Dundalk Leader 28th October 2026

Dundalk Leader Local Democracy Reports By LAUREN ROSS l lauren@dundalkleader.com

Council to assess Flagstaff “An awful backward step” junction amid concerns over —Call for rethink of expected bus fare hikes Narrow Water Bridge traffic ROAD safety at a junction near Flagstaff viewpoint is to be assessed after a councillor warned that the Narrow Water Bridge could bring more traffic onto the hillside route between Omeath and Newry. Sinn Féin Cllr Fiona Mhic Conchoille raised concerns about poor visibility where Flagstaff Road meets Ferry Hill Road in her motion at this month’s Dundalk Municipal District meeting which called on Louth County Council to work with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and Northern Ireland’s Department for Infrastructure (DFI) to jointly assess both roads and consider road safety improvements on the Flagstaff and Ferry Hill Road. She said that following the opening of Narrow Water Bridge, both councils should identify appropriate measures to improve visibility, enhance road safety and ensure the route is suitable for the expected increase in traffic. However, the council’s written response said traffic modelling carried out during the bridge’s development indicated that no significant increase was expected along the route, with most traffic predicted to

Cllr. Fiona Mhic Conchoille. be locally generated. David Jones, of the council’s Major Capital Projects and Infrastructure Delivery section, said traffic patterns would be reassessed immediately after the bridge opens to compare actual movements with the predicted modelling. He added, “In respect of the junction highlighted, an assessment will be carried out regarding the requirement for any enhanced road safety measures at this location, with any identified intervention subject to inclusion in any future Road Works Programme and in the context of its road classification, namely a local secondary road.” He also confirmed the motion would be shared with the relevant officials in DFI as the

roads authority for Northern Ireland for their consideration. Welcoming the commitment, Cllr Mhic Conchoille questioned the original assessment. “I’d like to know what the criteria of the first assessment was because I’ve said it before, it’s the quickest way to Newry train station, it’s the quickest way to north and southbound motorways,” she said. She also questioned why motorists travelling from Rostrevor and Warrenpoint would not take advantage of the route, particularly given fuel costs and the opportunity to avoid congestion in Newry. Reiterating her concerns about visibility, she described how drivers coming around a bend with a “fabulous view” suddenly find themselves in darkness beneath the trees of the forest. “Using that road every day, we can see what it’s like,” she said. Her party colleague Cllr Antóin Watters supported the motion, describing it as a very good proposal. “It’s going to be a busy road. It is a busy road,” he said.

Ardee Castle restoration could face three-month delay The restoration work at Ardee Castle could be set back by up to three months following archaeological discoveries made there over the summer. The remains, which were uncovered beneath the Judges’ Chambers extension, were first reported in August but Louth County Council has now confirmed the findings have caused delays to construction, saying the original foundation plans have had to be changed, with a piling system now needed to meet National Monuments Service requirements. The National Monuments Service has examined the site and advised on how the work should proceed. Archaeological monitoring was completed in late September and a report was submitted on the findings. The council estimates the changes will add between two and three months to the building programme, depending on the National Monuments Service requirements and the availability of a piling contractor. The council had previously indicated that the restoration was on track for completion by mid2027, but no revised completion date has yet been Ardee Castle. given.

BUS passengers in Dundalk and Drogheda face higher fares from next January, with cash fares on town services rising by 30 cent a journey and Leap Card fares increasing by 15 cent. Adult cash fares are due to rise from €2 to €2.30 while Leap Card fares are set to increase from €1.50 to €1.65 under changes announced by the National Transport Authority in September. For a person making a return journey five days a week, that adds €3 to their weekly travel costs if they pay cash, or €1.50 if using a Leap card. These increases have drawn criticism at the latest meeting of Louth County Council where Green Party Cllr Marianne Butler submitted a motion called on the council “to condemn the decision to proceed with significant increases in public transport fares from January 2027, including an average increase of 15% in adult fares, increase of 10% for adult Leap fares and 15% for cash fares in towns including Dundalk and Drogheda and an average 15% increase on TFI Local Link regular rural services.” The council was further asked to call on the Minister for Transport to instruct the NTA to reconsider the proposed January increases. According to the NTA, the fare increases are needed to help meet rising operational costs and pay for more frequent services as increased capacity numbers continue to grow. It states that passenger fares currently cover 38% of the cost of running subsidised public transport, with almost all remaining costs funded by the State. Furthermore, it says government funding for these services

port and to encourage people to use it,” she said. “If you’re pricing people out of it, how do you sell that to people as a net positive? I don’t think you can.”

reached €940 million in 2026 but fare revenue has stayed broadly unchanged despite growing demand and expanded services. Free travel entitlements and 50% discount for students and young adults will remain while many child fares will be reduced. “Honestly, it wasn’t on my bingo card for this year that there was going to be a proposed 15% increase in public transport fares,” Cllr Butler told the meeting, describing the move as “an awful backward step” considering the current cost of living crisis. “We see in the budget how the government is trying to support people by making certain things cheaper but it just seems they’re giving with one hand and taking away with the other by pushing this forward,” she said. “Public transport is a social good,” added Cllr Butler, pointing to people travelling to work and appointments, teenagers enjoying greater independence and those able to go out for an evening without driving. Sinn Fein Cllr Sionainn McCann supported the motion, saying commuters who had moved to Dundalk in search of affordable housing were now facing another increase in the cost of getting to work. “We all want more public trans-

Her party colleagues Cllr Kevin Meenan and Cllr Fiona Mhic Conchaille also supported the motion, with Cllr Meenan recalling the early days of the expanded Annagassan-Dundalk bus service, when passenger numbers were so low that the buses were sometimes described as “ghost buses” but said the service had now become extremely popular. “Now it’s packed. The bus is flying, and everybody’s using it,” he said. “As soon as we get ahead we shoot ourselves in the foot, it’s the same old story.” Cllr Fiona Mhic Conchoille said ordinary families already struggling with living costs should not have to shoulder the burden of funding public transport, while Fine Gael Cllr Ejiro O’Hare Stratton pointed to cheaper public transport in other European countries. “We should be learning from affordable public transport in other European countries,” said Cllr O’Hare Stratton. “We’re robbing people all the time because we don’t want to give affordable transfers, so I fully support the motion.” Thanking members for the support, Cllr Butler said she believed the increases will “make people think twice” about using buses, adding “I just hope they reconsider before it’s introduced in January.”

Councillor calls for damaged roads near new Lidl store to be repaired

CONCERNS have been raised about damage to a road near Lidl’s new Blackrock supermarket at this month’s Dundalk Municipal District meeting by Fianna Cllr Shane McGuinness, who said he understood residents had been told that part of the road would be resurfaced, but pointed

out that lorries had been travelling further along it. “I think they have told the residents that they’re going to resurface the little bit of road in from the Golf Links Road to the entrance into the side of Lidl,” he said. “But the lorries are actually driving past the entrance and a lot

of that road down there is now seriously damaged.” He told the meeting the council needed to be careful “when they are closing out their contract” to ensure that any damage to roads serving nearby housing estates was dealt with and stressed that the roads needed to be “properly man-

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme

aged” and “put back right for the residents of that area”. A council official replied, “If there’s haulage damage, that is something we can incorporate in, and it should be something that is in their planning as well, so I will look into that.”

Dundalk Leader 28th October 2026

ARTICLES FOR SALE

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LOUTH COUNTY COUNCIL—We, Annagassan & District Historical Society, intend to apply for planning permission for development at the lime kiln, Annagassan Harbour, Dillonstown, Co. Louth. A Protected Structure under listing no. Lhs015-057. Proposed development includes erection of new commemorative stone plaque, along with all associated site development works. This planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of Louth County Council from 9.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the authority in writing within a period of 5 weeks from the date of receipt by the authority of the application and on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.

LOUTH COUNTY COUNCIL—We intend to apply to the above Planning authority on behalf of PJ Finnegan, for Retention Permission for Development at Casalba, Dawestown, Ravensdale, Dundalk, Co. Louth. The Development consists of retention permission for alterations and extensions to the front and rear of existing dwellinghouse, together with a side extension comprising a carport and storage sheds, storage room in attic accommodation and all Associated site development works.This Planning Application may be Inspected or Purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of Louth County Council from 9.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday and a submission or Observation in relation to the application may be made to Louth County Council in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by Louth County Council of the application. Signed: ECC Design & Engineering Ltd., Jenkinstown Business Park, Jenkinstown, Dundalk Tel. 042 9380285. E-Mail info@eccgroup.ie. Web www.eccgroup.ie. LOUTH COUNTY COUNCIL—We, Claire Armstrong & Ciaran McGuire, intend to apply for Permission for development at Liberties of Carlingford, Carlingford, Co. Louth. The development will consist of: A dwelling house, domestic garage, new vehicular entrance, wastewater treatment system and associated site development works. This planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of Louth County Council, Town Hall, Crowe Street, Dundalk, from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm Monday to Friday. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee €20.00 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission. Signed: McCoy Building Surveying & Design, Upper Faughart, Dundalk, Co. Louth. A91 C3W7. Tel. 0871410372. E-mail: shane@mccoybsd.com. LOUTH COUNTY COUNCIL—Significant Further Information. We, Henry Backhouse & Company Ltd, have submitted significant further information in connection with our application for the change of use of existing first and second floor office accommodation to 2no. apartments, new bike and bin stores, new rear access to adjoining public car park with all associated site development works. The building is a protected structure under the Louth County Development Plan Record of Protected Structure Ref No. D142, No alterations to the protected façade is envisioned at 75 Clanbrassil Street Dundalk County Louth. - Planning Reference Number 2660317. The Significant further information includes: Revised Site Plan; Revised Proposed Building – Floor Plans, Section & Elevations; Boundary Wall Details; Revised Heritage Impact Assessment/Conservation Statement; Louth County Council consents. The further information may be inspected, or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the planning authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 2 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the further information, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission. C/o Bernard Dowdall - MRIAI - Architect – Carrickedmond, Kilcurry, Dundalk, Co. Louth. Tel. (042) 9429558; (087) 6657148; E-mail - bernard@dowdallarchitect.ie.

LOUTH COUNTY COUNCIL—We, David & Eimear Loughran, intend to apply for Permission for development at Littleash, Knockbridge, Dundalk, Co. Louth. The development will consist of: A dwelling house, domestic garage, new vehicular entrance, wastewater treatment system and associated site development works. This planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of Louth County Council, Town Hall, Crowe Street, Dundalk, from 9. 30 am to 4.30 pm Monday to Friday. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee €20.00 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission. Signed: McCoy Building Surveying & Design, Upper Faughart, Dundalk, Co. Louth. A91 C3W7. Tel. 0871410372. E-mail: shane@mccoybsd.com. LOUTH COUNTY COUNCIL—We intend to apply to the above Planning authority on behalf of James & Louise Haran, for Retention Permission for Development at Cornamucklagh, Omeath, Co. Louth. The Development consists of retention permission for Waste Water Treatment system and percolation area serving existing dwellinghouse and all Associated site development works.This Planning Application may be Inspected or Purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of Louth County Council from 9.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday and a submission or Observation in relation to the application may be made to Louth County Council in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by Louth County Council of the application. Signed: ECC Design & Engineering Ltd., Jenkinstown Business Park, Jenkinstown, Dundalk Tel. 042 9380285. E-Mail info@eccgroup.ie. Web www.eccgroup.ie. LOUTH COUNTY COUNCIL—We intend to apply to the above Planning authority on behalf of Syrinx Ltd, for Permission for Development at 7 Roden Place, Dundalk, Co. Louth. The Development is in an Architectural Conservation Area and consists of the following: 1. Adaptive reuse of existing protected structure (RPS No. D272, NIAH Ref No 13705017) from office/dentistry/residential to hostel accommodation, 2. New steps to the front elevation of the existing structure to lower ground floor, 3. Proposed rear extension and change of use of existing coach house/shed to wine bar and all Associated site development works. This Planning Application may be Inspected or Purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of Louth County Council from 9.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday and a submission or Observation in relation to the application may be made to Louth County Council in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by Louth County Council of the application. Signed: ECC Design & Engineering Ltd., Jenkinstown Business Park, Jenkinstown, Dundalk Tel. 042 9380285. E-Mail info@eccgroup.ie. Web www.eccgroup.ie.

LOUTH COUNTY COUNCIL—We intend to apply to the above Planning authority on behalf of Paul Martin & Orla Donlon for Permission for development at Bayview, Blackrock, Co. Louth. The Development consists of 2-storey extension to rear of existing dwellinghouse and all Associated site development works.This Planning Application may be Inspected or Purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of Louth County Council from 9.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday and a submission or Observation in relation to the application may be made to Louth County Council in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by Louth County Council of the application. Signed: ECC Design & Engineering Ltd., Jenkinstown Business Park, Jenkinstown, Dundalk Tel. 042 9380285. E-Mail info@eccgroup.ie. Web www.eccgroup.ie. LOUTH COUNTY COUNCIL—We intend to apply to the above Planning authority on behalf of Declan McArdle, for Permission for Development at 11A Earl Street, Dundalk, Co. Louth. The Development consists of the following: 1. Change of use of first and second floors from commercial storage to 2 No. 1-bed apartments, 2. Alterations and modification to front and rear facades, 3. Alterations and modification to ground floor to accommodate stairs to first and second floors and all Associated site development works.This Planning Application may be Inspected or Purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of Louth County Council from 9.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday and a submission or Observation in relation to the application may be made to Louth County Council in writing on payment of the prescribed fee within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by Louth County Council of the application. Signed: ECC Design & Engineering Ltd., Jenkinstown Business Park, Jenkinstown, Dundalk Tel. 042 9380285. E-Mail info@eccgroup.ie. Web www.eccgroup.ie. LOUTH COUNTY COUNCIL—I, Leone McCarthy, intend to apply for Retention Permission for development at Coill Mhuire, Ravensdale Park, Ravensdale, Dundalk, Co. Louth, A91 XW11. The development will consist of: Retention of Outbuilding / Garage and all associated site development works. This planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of Louth County Council, Town Hall, Crowe Street, Dundalk, from 9. 30 am to 4.30 pm Monday to Friday. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee €20.00 within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the Planning Authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission. Signed: P. Herr & Associates, Block 4, Third Floor, Quayside Business Park, Mill Street, Dundalk, Co. Louth. A91 KA9R. Tel. 042-9330019. E-mail info@pherr.ie.

ARTICLES WANTED WANTED—All your old GAA, Dundalk, Irish programmes and Tickets, the older the better. Check you attics and your sheds. Contact Ger on 086 2630363 or GCProgrammes@gmail.com.

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SPECIAL SERVICES CHIMNEY & STOVE CLEANING—Tel Paul McArdle 087 6660094 / 042 9332491 Email: tribalky@ yahoo.com. CHIMNEY CLEANER—The Clean sweep, clean & tidy, no dust. Brush & Vac. Also gutter cleaning. Contact - Cathal 087-225-9799. ADVERTISE YOUR SERVICE to over 60,000 readers for only €5 per week up to 20 words Phone Dundalk Leader 042 932 0888. GRIMLEY’S DUBLIN ST. DUNDALK—Televisions, TV aerials, satellite, Freeview & Saorview, new installations, sales, service & repairs. Free estimates 042 935 4343. DUNDALK GARDEN SERVICES—Tree topping, felling, hedge trimming, grass cutting & strimming. Rubbish Removals/Garage clearance, House & Garden refuse. Permit holder. Contact Ben 085-840-7707. FORTUNE TELLER—Available for appointment, private or group bookings. Tel. Alison 042 933 5102 or 087-67-51229. ROOF LEAKS MASTER—We repair all types of roof/tile, slate, bangor blues. Repair torch on roofs, scrape & clean, clean Solar panels, chimneys & chimney pots, chimney bird guards, gutter facia & soffits. All work guaranteed, 25 years experience. Tel. 086 8184827. CARPENTRY & JOINERY—Maintenance and repairs, roofing, 1st & 2nd fix carpentry, sash window repairs. No job too big or small. Contact Seandon Carpentry 087 298 5110. MOBILE HOME TRANSPORT—Transported throughout 32 Counties. Contact Eugene 086607-1702. CARPET & OVEN CLEANING—Carpet, upholstery & specialist oven cleaning available. Call MVI Cleaning Dundalk on 042 94 21300 or visit www.mvicleaning.ie. TAKE THE HASSLE OUT of your garden. I do it all. Grass cutting, Hedge Cutting, Weeding, Strimming, Power washing, Gutter Cleaning, Fence Painting, General DIY, Flat Pack Assembly, Removals. Contact Catriona 087 3172109. ROOFING & BUILDING contractor available. Repairs and new builds. Fully insured. Contact Mark Carney on 087 1302040 for enquiries. TREE SERVICES—Tree surgery, stump grinding, wood chipping & pruning. Conifer hedge reduction and ash die back removal. Fully Insured & Certified. Contact Chambers on 087 2750825 Email rchambers2008@yahoo.ie. MAN WITH A VAN—Hedges, tree topping, painting, facia & Soffit, patios, concreting, garage clear-outs, outside taps. Call Kevin for a free & honest quote 087 - 6067122. PAINTING SERVICES AVAILABLE—Interior and exterior plus Wallpapering, also sprayed and hand painted kitchens, all work carried out by professional trades men. Tel Brian 087 7558506. PROPERTY MAINTENANCE—Repairs, building, plumbing, painting, roof repairs, tiling, bathroom refurbishments, plastering, gardening, power washing, PVC facia and soffits, Over 20 yrs experience. References available. Whatsapp or Tel 085762-3758 for quotation.

CLASSES & COURSES GET FIT the fun way and learn to dance, the Waltz, Quickstep, Foxtrot and Jive, now taking place in the Lisdoo, Dundalk Tuesday’s from 8pm - 10pm, no partner required. First wedding dance lessons and private lessons also available. Contact 086 357 3271 for further information. DRUM LESSONS INCLUDING BODHRAN—For adults & children aged 8 years upwards. One to one lessons. Phone 087 414 4228. LINE DANCING Dance classes every Tuesday at 7pm. Gaels GFC Hall Rampart Road. A91 WD50. Beginners welcome. Contact 087 2618773.

LOUTH COUNTY COUNCIL—I, Siobhán Mee, intend to apply for permission for development at Lurgankeel, Dundalk, Co. Louth. The development will consist of a single storey dwelling, new site entrance onto public road and wastewater treatment with all associated site works. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours, and a submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the Planning Authority on payment of the prescribed fee (€20.00) within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the Planning Authority of the application. Signed: Paula Campbell (AGENT) Campbell & Carolan www.ccdc.ie 086 216 3102. LOUTH COUNTY COUNCIL—I, Mary-Kate O’Reilly, intend to apply for permission for development at this site at Glenmore, Riverstown, Dundalk, Co. Louth. The development will consist of changes to the dwelling approved under application 2560256 including a single storey snug area to the west of the dwelling. All other aspects of the development to remain as previously approved under application 2560256. The development will consist of a new proposed storey and a half style dwelling and associated detached single garage, opening of a new vehicular entrance to the site, new private water well and new wastewater treatment system and polishing filter together with all associated site development works. The planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of the Planning Authority during its public opening hours. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made in writing to the planning authority on payment of the prescribed fee, €20, within the period of 5 weeks beginning on the date of receipt by the authority of the application, and such submissions or observations will be considered by the planning authority in making a decision on the application. The planning authority may grant permission subject to or without conditions, or may refuse to grant permission. Signed: Ciaran McBennett, McMahon McBennett - +447706053399 / +353879970027 / info@mcmahonmcbennett.com. LOUTH COUNTY COUNCIL—I, Sani Sebastian, intend to apply for permission at 1 Carlinn Hall, Mullaharlin Road, Dundalk, County Louth for an attic conversion to include alterations to the existing roof structure to include a small roof alteration to the side hip roof to accommodate the new attic stairs and the construction of a cable wall to rear to replace the existing rear hip roof and all associated site development works. This planning application may be inspected or purchased at a fee not exceeding the reasonable cost of making a copy, at the offices of Louth County Council from 9.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday. A submission or observation in relation to the application may be made to the Authority in writing within a period of 5 weeks from the date of receipt by the Authority of the application and on payment of the prescribed fee of €20.00.

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Dundalk Leader 28th October 2026

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Dundalk Leader 28th October 2026

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Wheelie Bins

Dundalk Leader 28th October 2026

Local musician Jinx Lennon back in the Spirit Store Wheelie Bins

Windows

Windows/Doors

LOCAL musician Jinx Lennon will be back in the Spirit Store on friday 6th november with his border schizo folk sound of garage punk,celtic folk guitar and spoken rants,that features songs about Dundalk and the colourful inhabitants of the north east border lands on Friday 6 November coming to the end of a year of touring and playing the festivals. There were head spinning shows at All Together Now, Electric Picnic and the recent Bold Frontiers festival in town which featured Jinx and full band playing the totality of the album ‘’30 beacons of light for a land full of spite, thugs, drug slugs and energy vampires’’. Earlier in the year there was a tour of Scotland supported by the Shamrock Showband. Jamie Bishop from the band also plays guitar, keys,bass and sometimes drums at the Jinx shows This will be the last hometown gig before Jinx travels to Stockholm Sweden to play an event to celebrate the’ musicians featured in the ‘Celtic Utopia ‘’Irish music documentary which was shown at Omniplex and during the ‘Bold Frontiers festival in which Jinx plays as well as other Irish luminaries such as local artists Negro Impacto and Mary Wallopers and Rois, Branwen, Deadlians, and Lankum. Jinx is working on his next album which will be released next year and he will be showcasing a forthcoming exhibition in An Tain this January 2027 featuring 26 years of set lists from his live shows in that time period which Jinx has kept in storage waiting for the right opportunity to do something with them. He is assisted

Theft charge for man accused of taking €600 from ATM THEFT charge for man accused of taking €600 from ATM A man who found money in an ATM when he went to withdraw cash from his own bank appeared at Dundalk District Court to face a theft charge. Dean Kearney (39) of Aisling Park, Dundalk, was accused of taking €600 at Clanbrassil St on August 8th, 2025. He told the court that it wasn’t really theft as he had gone to the machine to take money out and the notes were there so he took them. Judge Derek Cooney pointed out that his actions constituted theft as he adjourned the matter to November 4th. The defendant also faced a public order charge of obstructing a Peace Officer arising out of an incident at Cathedral View, The Ramparts, Dundalk, on August 8th this year.

by artist John Connolly and local video archivist and ex local musician David Manning .It will be called ‘’The Square Peg of Pearse Park’’ Special guests on the Spirit Store show on the night are Cork based act husband and wife team of punk and spoken word poets Wasps V Humans whose recently released LP ‘’The Day Homo Sapiens destroyed the Earth ‘’ is getting accolades and appreciation for a well-deserved band such as ‘’A s abrasive as four day stubble’’ **** Irish times. Also on the bill is local tattoo artist and musician Gus Cullen whose new outfit ‘’Doctor Goose’’ lands somewhere between 80s minimal wave and Aerosmith .The brilliant Forkhill singer Miss Paula Flynn will be joining Jinx for a few songs also on the night. Tickets from www.spiritstore.ie Doors 8 pm Jinx Lennon returns to the Spirit Store next week. Friday, November 6.

HILL STREET, DUBLIN RD., DUNDALK.

042 9331515/086 2559201

NEWRY ROAD, DUNDALK (Rear of Go Petrol Station)

Car & Van Servicing NCT Preparation Engine, Clutch and Brake Repairs Suspension and Steering Repairs Diagnostics for All Makes & Models Tel 042 9327201 - Mob 087 2852406 info@camworxauto.ie - www.camworxauto.com

• DOE TEST CENTRE • TACHOGRAPH • CALIBRATION CENTRE • HEAVY & LIGHT COMMERCIALS Tel: 042 9335020 Email: mcardletestcentre@hotmail.com Ind Est, Coes Rd, Dundalk A91 EA8N

Celebrating 40 Years NEWRY ROAD Our Services Include:

EMISSIONS & DPF CLEANING EXHAUST REPAIRS CAR SERVICING Open Mon-Fri 9-6pm; Ph 042-93-38312 www.dundalkexhausts.ie

Dundalk Leader 28th October 2026