More than 20 homes may be demolished to make way for the TEN-T Project in Donegal.
The scheme, which covers 40/45km, consists of improvements to three National Primary Roads between Ballybofey / Stranorlar Letterkenny to Manorcunningham and Manorcunningham to Lifford / Strabane / A5.
County council members were told this week that the number of houses listed to be demolished for the project has risen to 20. Letterkenny Cllr Donal Coyle said more may be added to the number before the final design is agreed.
Cllr Coyle has called on the council to urgently deal with families whose homes could be potentially affected.
“Some people are aware for at least two years or more that their homes are to be demolished,” Cllr Coyle said.
“You can imagine the initial shock, pain and anguish that these people experienced then, and it is still there and it is raw, to compound the situation there has been little meaningful discussion with these families after almost three years.”
Cllr Coyle said homeowners are awaiting confirmation of a compensation package “so that they can get on with their lives”.
“Many are hoping to build a new house, in the present situation, they don’t know how much compensation they will receive and in the present climate, with the ever-increasing cost of building it is now time that these people be treated in a fair and just manner,” he said.
Cllr Coyle was told by the executive that the Donegal Land Liaison Team are, and have been, continually available to address any queries homeowners might have. Any homeowner with concerns is invited to contact their liason agent and there is no limit set on the frequency of meetings.
Councillors have been advised that an advance negotiation process has been agreed with TII to expedite urgent home acquisitions. A compensation package can also be agreed in advance. Meanwhile, the project is dependent on a successful project development including all statutory approvals and funding.
Cllr Coyle greeted the response from council and said he was sure that homeowners will be ‘delighted’ to get into negotiations immediately in relation to a compensation package.