A cabinet decision on the Ten-T Donegal Project moving to the planning stage is expected to be made at the start of 2024.
That’s according to government minister, Charlie McConalogue.
The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine revealed he met with key players in the project recently and confirmed a decision on the plan will be taken shortly.
(Pictured above is the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, pictured with CEO of Transport Infrastructure Ireland, Peter Walsh, and Donegal County Council Chief Executive, John McLaughlin.)
He said “This next step in the process early in the new year will follow on from the recent appointment of external consultants to complete the expert review necessary for cabinet approval. Having completed the first three stages, the Ten-T Project is now at the cabinet approval stage.
“I met recently with the CEO of Transport Infrastructure Ireland, Peter Walsh, along with Donegal County Council Chief Executive, John McLaughlin, to ensure the continued progress of the Ten T Project that includes three stretches of road – the Twin Towns By-Pass, Letterkenny to Manorcunningham, and Manorcunningham to Lifford, linking the A5 in Strabane.”
“I also continue to liaise closely with the Department of Transport to make sure that these projects proceed promptly. This final step is necessary before the cabinet gives approval early in the new year for the next step, which will be stage four statutory processes.
“This will involve the approval of publication for compulsory purchase order documentation by Donegal County Council, the moving of the project to stage four of the statutory planning stage, and eventually an oral hearing with An Bord Pleanála,” Minister McConalogue added.
The Minister said these three road projects are hugely important to Donegal.
He added “There’s an urgency to get them delivered, particularly in Letterkenny where we are seeing acute challenges with traffic problems – hence the need for the Bonagee Link project that will ensure the opening up of the transport network in Letterkenny and the north of the county.
“I will continue to work closely with Donegal County Council, the Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan, and my cabinet colleagues to make sure these projects progress and are completed as speedily as possible,” he said.
“The completion of the expert review is necessary in advance of cabinet giving its approval early in the new year to move the Ten-T project Donegal project to the next stage.”
