The Commissioners of Public Works have powers to acquire compulsorily lands or easements or other rights over lands under the Arterial Drainage Act, 1945, the Canals Act, 1986 and the Shannon Navigation Act, 1990. Details of the powers and the procedure to be followed by the commissioners are contained in each of those Acts. These powers have not been used in the past but they are currently being exercised in connection with the restoration of the Ballinamore and Ballyconnell navigation which is now deemed to be part of the Shannon navigation.
Under the National Monuments Acts, the Commissioners of Public Works may compulsorily acquire any national monument, or land in the vicinity of a national monument for the provision of visitor facilities. The acquisition of the extensive site at Tara a number of years ago is an example of the use of such powers. It is hoped that the use of the commissioner's compulsory acquisition powers will not be necessary in the area mentioned in the question in the immediate future. Under the Planning Acts, the Office of Public Works is obliged to consult with the local authority on the proposed development and this has been done.
