Oral hearing into Compulsory Purchase Orders for the long awaited N2 Slane Bypass begins
An oral hearing into Compulsory Purchase Orders for the long awaited N2 Slane Bypass got underway today (Thursday 3rd April).
The proposed scheme is expected to significantly improve road safety in Slane village which has been the scene of at least 22 fatal accidents over the years.
The hearing into the N2 Slane Bypass and Public Realm Enhancement Scheme took place online.
The local community is hoping that an end to the decades-long campaign for the bypass is in sight.
The proposals include 3-axle HGV ban on the existing N2 within the village which means HGVs will need to use the bypass, while other planned works include the removal of existing gantries at Mill Hil.
Key features of the scheme include the bypass of Slane, route improvements on the N51 and public realm improvements within Slane village.
The bypass, which will include a major 258 metre bridge crossing of the River Boyne Special Area of Conservation (SAC) will be 3.5km long dual carriageway - with two 3.5 metre lanes in both directions with half metre wide hard strips and a 1.5 metre central reservation. The scheme will also include a combined footway/cycleway and three roundabouts.
The N51 Route Improvements encompasses upgrades between the village and the new N2/N51 roundabout and realignment of sections of the N51 to the east and west of the new roundabout. This will significantly improve the current sub-standard alignment as works will be conducted to improve existing bends and as well as visibility.
These improvements also include a design to emphasise the approach to the village, bespoke landscaping, additional signage, and a 60km/h speed limit.
A number of planned Public Realm Enhancements include a reconfigured junction at the Square incorporating the removal of traffic lights and slip lanes, in addition to traffic calming and signalised pedestrian crossings in the village, a HGV ban, a new off-street carpark which will be connected to the village via pedestrian and cyclist links and other landscaping, urban design, and streetscaping measures.
The scheme, which has been designed to address the transport needs of residents, businesses and visitors in the village of Slane, is being progressed by Meath County Council and Transport infrastructure Ireland.
According to Meath County Council, the existing ‘bottleneck’ at the village will be removed, improving community safety due to the projected major decrease in vehicular congestion.
"With access to a reliable and connected transport network including improved facilities for a more reliable and safer road-based public transport and a new off-street carpark, the local economy within Slane will be boosted allowing businesses to flourish," the council predicts.
"The environment within the village will also be boosted, particularly with the reduction of air quality emissions, traffic noise and vibration emissions due to decreased levels of traffic. The provision of electric charging infrastructure will also encourage the use of electric vehicles, in turn reducing carbon emissions, and supporting sustainable mobility.
"It is expected that the N2 Slane Bypass and Public Realm Enhancement Scheme will enhance Slane as a viable, vibrant and attractive location for people to live, work and visit, with a much more connected and safer road network with significantly enhanced active and sustainable transport capabilities."
The council has pointed out that public consultation and stakeholder engagement has played a crucial role of the design of the N2 Slane Bypass and Public Realm Enhancement Scheme, as well as the environmental assessment processes.
Further information was requested on the planning application in October 2024 and provided in December 2024.
Twelve years ago, An Bord Pleanála refused a previous planning application for a bypass of Slane, much to the dismay of the people of the village.