Work on the Ballybofey/Stranorlar by-pass will not begin in January, nor is it expected to begin any time in 2010, according to a Donegal councillor.

Cora Harvey told fellow council members the National Roads Authority (NRA) project was "dead in the water", following public consultation.

She said: "Although we are still waiting for An Bord Pleanala with the verdict of the oral hearing, which is the primary reason for the initial delay."

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Ms Harvey hinted that further delays could be expected, as a result of a cut in NRA's expenditure.

"After speaking to the Regional Manager of the NRA, who has responsibility for this particular project, I can confirm that the proposed date for starting is dead in the water and work will not commence next January as previously planned, indeed it may not start in 2010 either," said the councillor.

"This announcement may not come as a surprise to some, but many locals are still uncertain as to the situation," she added.

(PR/JM)