Public urged to attend information meeting on Slane bypass this week

A DECISION on the new proposed route for the bypass of Slane (pictured) is expected to be made in the first half of next year.

But as part of the preparations, Meath County Council is inviting the residents of Slane and surrounding areas, members of the public and interested parties to participate in the next round of public consultation.

The council and the consultants RPS are holding a public information event at the Conyngham Arms Hotel, Slane, on Wednesday 29th November between 2pm and 9pm.

This information event provides an opportunity to have your say on the scheme options and to get further information about the scheme.

At last week’s council meeting in Duleek, it was revealed that 15 preliminary route options had been done and it is expected that that will be reduced to five or six by the meeting on the 29th, almost evenly split between East and West routes.

It is envisaged by the consultants that one route will be agreed and sent forward for recommendation by the second quarter of 2018.

As part of the process, traffic management options are also being accessed - including a HGV ban and putting a toll on Slane bridge. Extra traffic lights are also an option to slow traffic.

When the final five or six routes are selected, landowners will be informed and site investigations will begin.

When the final route is selected, environmental studies will take place and the project should go to An Bord Pleanala at the start of 2019.