The land is being sought by the Council as part of a runway safety scheme at the airport. The announcement follows recommendations from the report of an independent public inquiry.
In agreeing that vesting could proceed, the Minister said: “I have noted the conclusions of the Inspector that the runway safety scheme is essential for the prudent and safe management of the airport and that it is in the public interest.”
The vesting order includes houses, agricultural land and other buildings. Mr Murphy said: “I recognise the difficulties and distress that people face when asked to give up their homes and properties but I am satisfied that the lands are needed to enable the removal of physical obstructions affecting the safe use of the runway.”
The Department had received 17 objections to Derry City Council’s application for vesting. These were considered at a public inquiry held in April. In his report, the Inspector, Mr John Mageean had considered whether recent negotiations between the Council and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds over land at the eastern end of the runway might reduce the extent of vesting. On the advice of an independent technical expert, the Inspector concluded that all of the land at the western end needed to be vested for safety reasons.
Mr Murphy said he hoped the Council would now deal sensitively with the landowners in taking possession of their land and that he concurred with the Inspector’s recommendation that the Council should continue its efforts to assist the relocation of those concerned.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
The Department has published a Statement on the making of the vesting order. Copies of this Statement and the Report of the Vesting Order Inquiry may be viewed on the Department's web-site at the link below:
