Vol. 557 No. 6
216 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for the Environment and Local Government the procedure for the issuing of compulsory purchase orders on private land by local authorities; if these orders can be issued by local authority staff without approval from elected members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23156/02]
A local authority may acquire land for the purpose of performing any of its powers, duties and functions by agreement or compulsorily. The making of a compulsory purchase order is an executive function of the local authority. Before submitting the CPO to An Bord Pleanála for confirmation, the local authority is obliged to publish a notice of the making of the Order in one or more newspapers circulat ing in the area and must serve a notice on every owner, lessee or occupier of any land to which the order relates.
Where objections are made by those from whom the land is being acquired to the board within the specified time limits and where the objections are not withdrawn subsequently or do not relate solely to compensation, the board holds an oral hearing. Responsibility for decisions in relation to confirmation of compulsory purchase orders rests with An Bord Pleanála. Administration of the confirmed CPO is a matter for the local authority and my Department have no function in the matter.
