Slane community groups appeal to former Attorney General to halt judicial review proceedings into N2 bypass

The community of Slane has appealed to local businessman and former Attorney General, John Rogers, to halt his judicial review of the Slane Bypass planning permission.

A letter signed by representatives of 30 local community and sporting organisations, residents associations and business and tourism interests was delivered to the Newgrange Gold founder.

Mr Rogers of Crewbane, Slane, applied for a judicial review into the decision by An Commisiún Pleanála to grant permission to build the N2 Slane Bypass, with a hearing due to take place in the High Court on Thursday and Friday next.

The letter points out that planning permission had been granted "following one of the most comprehensive and thorough applications to have taken place in the state to date."

The letter continues; "News of the review came as a very significant disappointment to many in the Slane community. While you may feel that you have very good reasons for deciding to take this action, please consider that this project will deliver a substantial public good in that it will significantly reduce dangers to road-users travelling through Slane village.

"Additionally, the scheme will lead to significant improvements in the environment of the village and will improve the quality of life for residents as well as those using the services in the village.

"It is clear, that there is very significant and strong support for the scheme among the Slane community, and indeed further afield. You are very well aware of the dangers posed by the current road configuration and, also of the long list of traffic incidents to have taken place on the N2 over decades, many of which have unfortunately resulted in death.

"We ask you on behalf of your community to reconsider your decision to engage in a judicial review and withdraw your application and allow the project to proceed without further delay."

Last September in the High Court, Mr Justice Richard Humphreys fixed a hearing date for Mr Roger's action for 15th and 16th January 2026.

Meath County Council had asked for the case to be heard as soon as possible. The legal challenge came following the granting of planning application for the bypass by An Coimisiún Pleanála last June.

Attempts were made to contact Mr Rogers at the Law Library and Newgrange Gold.

The Slane Bypass project includes a 3.5km dual carriageway around Slane with a combined footway/cycleway, a 258-metre-long bridge over the River Boyne, and a number of public realm enhancements within Slane village. The scheme also includes improved traffic management measures and works on the N51 between the proposed bypass and the centre of the village.

On 27th June, An Coimisiún Pleanála approved the proposal, with seven conditions, covering environmental aspects, integrity of European Natura sites, archaeology and culture, ecology and wildlife, and clarity and visual amenity.

The planning application came after a quarter of a century of campaigning by local residents for a bypass that would take traffic away from the narrow bridge over the Boyne that has been a notorious accident blackspot for decades. The sharp descent to the bridge has been the scene of at least 23 fatal accidents. The Bypass Slane Campaign was formed in 2009 following a terrifying incident involving nine vehicles, including a lorry and a van.