asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware of the long delays in processing compulsory purchase orders in County Donegal; and if he will take action to expedite matters.
Ceisteanna—Questions. - County Donegal CPOs.
18.
The statutory provisions for the compulsory acquisition of land by local authorities, which include provisions to safeguard the interests of the landowners concerned, necessarily take some time. I am not aware that there are any undue delays in regard to County Donegal.
I may add that I am considering the need for improvements in the existing compulsory purchase order procedure.
Is the Minister aware of the delay in acquisition for the purpose of extending the pier at Sladanavoopogue, Fanad? This is something that has been going on since 1969. It was held up, so far as I am aware, because of slowness in the movement of the compulsory purchase order. Is the Minister also aware that grants from Roinn na Gaeltachta to build a community centre in Fanad Gaeltacht are held up?
The Deputy is making a long speech.
I am trying to enlist the Minister's aid. Is he aware of the long delay in many cases involving compulsory purchase orders in County Donegal? He tells me he is aware of a couple of instances but I am giving him instances where there are long delays and where he could do something about speeding up the process.
There are 12 CPOs before the Department from County Donegal and neither of the two mentioned by the Deputy are on the list. Where there are hold-ups there are good reasons for them.
I am not talking about the ones on the list. I am talking about two that are not on the list. I am talking about the ones that are before the Department.
Perhaps Donegal County Council have CPOs which they have not submitted to me yet. That must be the case. They certainly are not before the Department.
Will the Minister endeavour to help speed-up these cases?