Donegal farmers could net €10m windfall from roads plan
Donegal farmers could net as much as €10 million in 'goodwill payments' as part of a mega €1 billion roads infrastructure project.
The IFA held at meeting in Letterkenny with concerned landowners in relation to the Ten-T Project.
Those at the meeting heard that major infrastructure development could impact 475 property owners.
It was also disclosed that in order to facilitate and deliver the Ten-T project then it would involve the compulsory purchase of 1,470 acres of land by Donegal County Council in association with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII).
Donegal IFA Chair Joe Sweeney highlighted the severe disruption and impact the project will have on both farmers and landowners.
“This is extremely stressful and difficult for the landowners and their families. IFA has met with senior engineers and officials in Donegal County Council and highlighted the concerns farmers have," said Sweeney.
IFA has a roads agreement with TII in place, designed to ensure that farmers and landowners are treated fairly and properly under the CPO compensation process.
At the meeting, Richard Rea, Agricultural Consultant, made a detailed presentation that covered all aspects of a compensation claim.
He also highlighted areas of difficulty and problems that can arise on road projects, including access, fencing, services, drainage, and legal issues related to land ownership, family issues, and taxation.
IFA Infrastructure Project Team Chair Paul O’Brien told the meeting the IFA had negotiated a new and updated Roads Agreement with TII back in 2023, which runs to Dec 31st, 2027.
O'Brien stressed that it was critically important that Donegal landowners were compensated on the Ten-T project.
“It is essential that Donegal landowners on the Ten T project have the benefits of the IFA/TII agreement, which covers all essential aspects of the CPO and their compensation claim, as well as an additional goodwill payment of €6,500 per acre”.
With 1,470 acres of land impacted, and pricing of €6,500 per acre, then Donegal farmers and landowners could net a €10 million in what authorities have called 'goodwill payments'.
In addition, OBrien said it will require acquiring 34 residences, five vacant properties, and four commercial properties.
He advised the meeting that the benefits of the IFA/TII agreement are considerable, enabling landowners to have compensation assessed based on the value of the land and injurious affection, including damage to the viability of the farm business, severance, and disturbance.
Additional items in the IFA/TII agreement include the replacement of farm buildings on a new-for-old basis and an additional goodwill/cooperation payment of €6,500 per acre.
Donegal County Council has submitted its planning application and CPO on May 14th, and the deadline for submitting objections is this Thurs, July 10th.
Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme