Oral hearing due over Waterford road

NO objections have yet been lodged following the recent publication of the planned route for a new road linking Waterford and Dublin.

An Bord Pleanála confirmed that no objections from individuals issued with compulsory purchase orders (CPO) have yet come in. But a number of appeals are imminent, a spokesman for the road project said.

The IFA begins talking to its many members impacted by the route over the coming days, a process which will lead to further objections and almost certainly, an oral hearing, probably around June.

While only those who have to surrender land for the 64km road project can object to the CPO process, anyone who has a concern with the Environmental Impact Study (EIS) can raise an objection to that report.

Project leader Joe Gannon said he was aware of at least one objection being submitted and anticipates that more will be submitted to the appeal board over the coming weeks. Those with concerns have until April 15 to do so.

“The vast bulk of objections would typically come in towards the last week for doing so. We are aware that the IFA is holding meetings and would anticipate more objections. We would anticipate an oral hearing sometime around June,” he said.

Many issues have to be discussed between now and the oral hearing and the planners hope to meet with as many land owners as possible in the interim period.