Louth landowner affected by Carlingford Greenway CPO process yet to make claim

Negotiations are still ongoing with five landowners in north Louth and Louth County Council, with another landowner yet to make a claim, in relation to the Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) of lands for the Carlingford Lough Greenway, which was constructed in 2013, the local authority has revealed.

Cllr Andrea McKevitt submitted a question to Louth County Council ahead of the Dundalk Municipal District October meeting, seeking information on the Carlingford Lough Greenway. It was a question that the Fianna Fáil councillor had already submitted earlier this year, and to which she had received a response at the Dundalk Municipal District March meeting. In her question Cllr McKevitt asked:

"1. Could you please provide the following information regarding the Carlingford Lough Greenway - Specifically I would like to know how many Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPOs) were required for this project, and whether all individuals affected by these CPOs have been compensated accordingly, if not how many are outstanding?  2. To date what is the exact figure spent on the proposed Carlingford - Dundalk Bay Greenway."

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Replying to Cllr McKevitt, Director of Major Capital Projects & Infrastructure Delivery, Mr David Jones, said, "1. In total, 28 landowners were affected by the Carlingford Lough Greenway and subject to the Compulsory Purchase Order process associated with the project. In terms of compensation for lands acquired, the following is the current situation:

• "Agreement has been reached with 22 landowners in respect of compensation and standard conveyancing is ongoing between the respective law agent regarding completion of sales. Out of these three landowners have been paid who have met all legal requirements for contracts to be exchanged.
• "Negotiations are ongoing with five landowners
• "Claims are still awaited from one landowner.

"2. To date, €621,590 has been expended to date in relation to the proposed Carlingford to Dundalk Greenway."

It was announced in March of this year that €610k in government funding was being allocated for Greenways and National Roads Active Travel infrastructure in Louth. Of this funding, €550k was allocated to the Carlingford to Dundalk Greenway and the remaining €60k was allocated to Ardee.