FARMERS could get €10 million in goodwill money as part of the biggest infrastructure project in Donegal’s history, it is claimed.
Tomorrow (Friday) is the deadline for submissions, including objections, about the unprecedented €1 billion Trans-European Transport Network Priority Route Improvement Project (known as the Ten-T).
During discussions about the deadline, farmers and landowners were encouraged at a recent meeting of Donegal Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) in Letterkenny to lodge submissions.
There was a detailed presentation about compensation claims and the farmers were told the IFA struck a deal in 2023 that runs until the end of 2027 to ensure that they are rewarded under compulsory purchase order (CPO) processes.
It was stated at the IFA meeting that the Ten-T project by Donegal County Council and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) impacts 475 property owners and involves the compulsory purchase of 1,470 acres of land.
IFA infrastructure project team chairperson Paul O’Brien said: “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.”
At that price, the goodwill payment of €6,500 per acre for 1,470 acres of land amounts to €9,555,000.
IFA infrastructure project team chairperson Paul O’Brien was in Leinster House in May 2026 to discuss CPOs. Credit Irish Farmers’ Association.
A statement for the Donegal IFA revealed that Donegal IFA chair Joe Sweeney said the “impact of the roads project on farmers and landowners will be significant.”
The statement included a warning from Mr Sweeney, who said of the Ten-T: “This is extremely stressful and difficult for the landowners and their families.”
A consultation exercise about the Ten-T has been in place for the past eight weeks.
A spokesperson for the State’s planning commission said: “Submissions and observations regarding the Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) and Compulsory Purchase Order are being accepted until 5.30pm on [July 10].”
Ten-T graphic shows route of historic road project.
The huge scheme received Government Cabinet approval in 2024 and involves upgrades on 60kms of public roads that is officially estimated to cost up to €915m.
Donegal County Council cathaoirleach, Cllr Paul Canning, put the cost at “€1bn”.
As well as 1,470 acres, the project also involves compulsory purchases of 34 homes, four commercial operations, and five uninhabited buildings.