Key planning documents are expected to be published soon for the long-awaited Donegal TEN-T road project.
A total of €2.3 million has been allocated this year to the project, which will deliver a 42km road network linking Letterkenny, Manorcunningham, Lifford and the Ballybofey-Stranorlar bypass. It also includes the Bonagee Link and a bridge over the River Swilly, aimed at easing traffic congestion in Letterkenny.
The funding allocation this year will enable the publication of documents linked to the formal planning and land acquisition process, including the Environmental Impact Assessment Report and Compulsory Purchase Order papers.
Once the documents are published, a six to eight week public consultation will begin, with submissions to be made to An Coimisiún Pleanála.
The earliest decision on the project is now expected in Q1 or Q2 of 2027.
Up to 40 property acquisitions may be required under Compulsory Purchase Orders to make way for the network.
The Ten-T Project route map
Councillor Donal Coyle welcomed the update from Donegal County Council at yesterday’s plenary meeting and said the project was now clearly moving forward.
“I am happy to see the progress that’s being made on the Ten-T,” said Cllr Coyle.
“I think it’s imminent now that the CPOs will be published and that the planning stage will proceed.”
Cllr Coyle commended everybody involved.
The council also said funding is continuing for the N13 Bridgend to County Boundary (TEN-T) route improvement project, with €1.1 million allocated for 2026. The new allocation will allow work to continue on a design and environmental evaluation, with the statutory process possibly beginning later this year.
There was also an update on the N15 Corcam Bends scheme, which has been given €180,000 in 2026.
The council said preliminary design work is due to be completed in the first quarter of the year. Environmental screening is also underway, and contact with affected landowners is expected in the coming months.
Earliest Donegal TEN-T decision now expected in 2027 was last modified: March 31st, 2026 by Rachel McLaughlin
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