Having made the preparations to forcibly evict residents in the vested lands around City of Derry Airport, if necessary, we’ll have to wait to see whether Derry City Council actually use those powers. The deadline for residents to move out is Saturday 1st March but it’s worth highlighting, from the BBC report, that the Department of Environment has yet to decide on the Council’s application to approve interim rental payments – although there is no indication of when that application was made.
The DoE said Derry City Council asked them to approve compensation for interim rental payments. In a statement, the department said it was “approached by the council to discuss how best to submit a formal application for approval in respect of compensation for interim rental payments as part of a wider package of compensation for those affected. “The department is considering the council’s approach and will respond as soon as possible.”
And with reports that some residents have yet to receive any compensation, the Council’s reported statement may look less than convincing.
“Derry City Council recognises the need to facilitate former property owners during this difficult and distressing period and to ensure they achieve the maximum available compensation.”
It’s all part of the process of “moving the airport into a position where it will be fit to go commercial..”
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