Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 17 Apr 2002

Vol. 552 No. 1

Written Answers. - Compulsory Purchase Orders.

Tom Hayes

Question:

427 Mr. T. Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if local authorities are entitled to ignore the agreement of the IFA, NRA and his Department of December 2001 in relation to compensation arising from compulsory purchase orders, in view of the fact that this is an agreement between the parties and not written into legislation. [11038/02]

Tom Hayes

Question:

428 Mr. T. Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government if his attention has been drawn to the fact that some local authorities are considering if they can ignore the agreement of December 2001 by the IFA, NRA and his Department. [11039/02]

Tom Hayes

Question:

429 Mr. T. Hayes asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the steps he intends to take to ensure that local authorities implement the agreement of December 2001 by the IFA, NRA and his Department; and the steps he intends to take if the local authorities decide to ignore the agreement. [11040/02]

Minister for the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Dempsey)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 427 to 429, inclusive, together.

The agreement between the Irish Farmers Association, the National Roads Authority and my Department came into operation on 10 December 2001. The agreement gives effect to a commitment contained in the programme for prosperity and fairness on the efficient and fair implementation of CPOs. I am not aware of local authorities having difficulties regarding implementation of the agreement.

While the agreement is a voluntary one, all parties to it have pledged themselves to promoting and maximising its use for the purpose of land acquisition under the NDP national roads programme 2000-2006. The NRA and local authorities will seek to facilitate any landowner opting to rely on this agreement. The agreement provides for the establishment of a liaison group including representatives from the NRA and IFA to facilitate its efficient and effective implementation. The NRA has already issued circulars to local authorities in relation to implementation arrangements.