Louth Labour TD, Ged Nash has challenged the government to work with Louth County Council to address a funding gap that will allow work to be carried out on Ardee Castle so this jewel in the crown of mid-Louth can open to the public again.
Deputy Nash explained: “It is now six years since Louth County Council was granted approval in principle for Rural Regeneration and Development Fund (RRDF) funding up to €2.1 million for the Ardee Castle project.
“It is my understanding that Louth County Council are now ready to proceed to the construction phase of this project but in the intervening years, the cost of the project has escalated primarily due to the rising costs of construction.”
The Louth Labour TD added: “I tabled a Parliamentary Question to Minister for Rural and Community Development, Dara Calleary recently and he confirmed that in April of this year, Louth County Council had applied to his department for approval to proceed to construction.
“However, that application identified a significant increase in the cost of the project since it was approved in principle, in 2019.”
Deputy Nash said: “I understand that Louth County Council have now applied for an RRDF funding increase, above and beyond the figure approved in principle, six years ago.
“I am calling on the government and Minister Calleary to look favourably on that application and bridge the funding gap that will allow this vital work to go ahead.”
He concluded: “The people of Ardee have been denied access to their most iconic building for too long and it is time that Ardee Castle got the attention it deserves so it can be put back at the heart of this community, where it belongs.
“Ardee has huge potential in attracting tourism to the area and the refurbishment of the castle is central to that ambition.”
