andMr. Keating asked the Minister for the Environment if he will state in respect of road widening schemes by Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO), the compensation, if any, which is paid and how to ground landlords where a rent is reserved known as a ground rent; and the compensation, if any, for disturbance etc. Which is paid and how, to the lessee (householder) when such road widening schemes take place.
Written Answers. - Road Widening.
564.
The amount of compensation payable by a local authority for any interest in land acquired by them on the authorisation of a compulsory purchase order is in each case a matter for negotiation between the owner and the local authority and in default of agreement is a matter for reference to and determination by the official property arbitrator.
In determining a fair price the arbitrator is required to have regard to the open market value of the interest which would include the interest in ground rent, and where necessary, he also assesses the amount payable to an owner, lessee or occupier for any loss or disturbance suffered through the lands being taken from him.
The arbitrator's decision on any case referred to him is final and I have no function in the matter.