28 Louth landowners affected by Carlingford Lough Greenway CPO process

Negotiations are still ongoing with five landowners in north Louth and Louth County Council, with a further two 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 March meeting, seeking information on the Carlingford Lough Greenway. 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."

Replying to Cllr McKevitt, Director of Place Making and Physical Development, 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 21 landowners in respect of compensation and standard conveyancing is ongoing between the respective law agent regarding completion of sales.

" - Negotiations are ongoing with five landowners (one landowner has only recently submitted a claim)  - Claims are still awaited from two landowners.

"2. To date, €500,528 has been expended to date in relation to the proposed Carlingford to Dundalk Greenway."

It was announced at the beginning of this month that €610k in government funding was being allocated for Greenways and National Roads Active Travel infrastructure in Louth. Councillors were told at the Dundalk Municipal District March meeting that €550k of this funding was for the Carlingford to Dundalk Greenway and the remaining €60k was being allocated to Ardee.