The High Court gave leave this morning to Protect East Meath and Highlands Residents Association to bring a legal challenge against a decision of An Bord Pleanála granting planning permission to Trailford Limited for a massive 661-unit housing development off the Rathmullan Road in Drogheda.

The challenge alleges that An Bord Pleanála was not legally permitted to grant permission for a development on lands ear marked by Meath County Council as not suitable for development until the new County Development Plan is adopted, that the environmental assessments in relation to winter birds and bats were deficient and that the Bord erroneously failed to identify significant effects on cultural heritage due to the sites location in relation to the Battle of the Boyne.

The matter returns to court after Easter on 23 April when a timetable will be agreed and a hearing date assigned.