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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 28 Jan 1926

Vol. 14 No. 3

CEISTEANNA—QUESTIONS. ORAL ANSWERS. - LANDHOLDERS AND THE SHANNON SCHEME.

asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state whether his Department has received any representations from landholders in respect of compensation where the railway and canal in connection with the Shannon scheme are being, or are about to be, constructed; on what basis such compensation will be calculated, and when it will be paid.

I have received only one claim under Section 5 (4) of the Shannon Electricity Act, 1925. But arrangements are being made for the settlement of compensation as quickly as possible, particularly in the case of small holders. Under the Shannon Electricity Act compensation is to be settled by agreement, or failing agreement, by arbitration. I expect in a few days that the officials acting for me will be in a position to negotiate as to compensation with those whose property is being acquired, attention being specially given to the more urgent cases. It is, however, important that claimants should first furnish me with notice of their claims as provided in Section 5 (4) of the Act. Without a formal notice of claim I may not be able to proceed to a settlement.

The basis for compensation is that prescribed in the Acquisition of Lands (Assessment of Compensation) Act, 1919, and any claims in respect of damage or disturbance will be dealt with in accordance with the provisions of that Act. If compensation is fixed by agreement it can be paid promptly, subject to my having satisfactory particulars as to other charges on or interests in the property, and to proof of title. If it goes to be decided by arbitration it cannot, of course, be paid until the arbitrator's decision has been received and title proved.

Land purchase annuities on land acquired for the Shannon undertaking will be apportioned and become a liability of the undertaking. The question of the liability for rates depends on the interpretation of a number of statutes on which I am at present awaiting advice.

Can the Minister say whether an arbitrator has been appointed in connection with this scheme?

I could not answer quite accurately on that. I think it is a fact that an arbitrator has been appointed.

Can the Minister say whether it is proposed to pay the compensation in cash or in bonds?

I think it is cash.

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