By Chris Ashmore
CAUTIOUS optimism has been expressed that the much-needed Bonagee link bridge over the River Swilly in Letterkenny is edging ever closer.
The proposed bridge – which would alleviate some of the town’s traffic issues – is part of major proposals under a national scheme known as the TEN-T which links some of the busiest towns and cities in the country.
Last summer government approval was given for the go-ahead for the major Ten-T works in Donegal to proceed to planning stage and it was hoped to be completed by Q2 of 2025.
This week, the issue was raised by Cllr. Donal Coyle at the April meeting of Letterkenny-Milford Municipal District Council when he tabled a motion asking the local authority “to expedite” the next phase.
The Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) is a selection of strategic transport corridors throughout the European Union (EU) that have been identified to play a key role in the mobility of goods and passengers through the EU.
Three sections of the TEN-T network in Donegal have been prioritised for improvement and together, they form the TEN-T Priority Route Improvement Project, Donegal. The estimated cost is in excess of €800 million.
These sections are also prioritised within the National Planning Framework, Project Ireland 2040, and the National Development Plan 2018-2027.
The three sections are as follows: Section 1 (N15/N13 Ballybofey / Stranorlar Urban Region); Section 2 (N56/N13 Letterkenny to Manorcunningham); Section 3 (N14 Manorcunningham to Lifford/Strabane/A5 link).
Cllr. Coyle pointed out that around 40 houses have been identified that will need to be demolished in order to accommodate the new roads.
He noted that a number of people have known for the last seven years that their houses are to be demolished under the plans.
However, he added that he was not sure what contract there has been from the council about it.
He also said that landowners need certainty as well.
“It is essential we get the TEN-T project and in particular the bridge across the Swilly,” he stated.
He also expressed the hope that the Council will proceed shortly with compulsory purchase orders and that landowners will get certainty about what lies ahead.
“It is essential we get the TEN-T project and in particular the bridge across the Swilly,” he stated.
Supporting the motion. Cllr. Liam Blaney noted the lengthy time scale of the project and that there is a lot of documentation.
In a written response to Cllr. Coyle, David McIIwaine, Senior Executive Engineer, (Roads) said that the development to date has been “successfully achieved despite an ever-changing background of standards, procedures and government policy, particularly in respect to the Public Spending Code / Infrastructure Guidelines and Climate Action.”
While a number of items had run behind schedule, council officials believe they will soon be back on track.
Cllr. Liam Blaney seconded the motion and said the official reply was “very promising”.
He pointed out a lot of people do not realise the amount of work that is required to be undertaken for such major projects.
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