asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that in many small towns such as Ballyhaunis, Claremorris and Kiltimagh it is impossible to build by-pass roads due to the refusal of land-owners to sell their property; and, if so, if he will introduce proposals for legislation enabling him to acquire property compulsorily for this purpose.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Mayo By-Pass Roads.
Under existing law county councils may be empowered to acquire land compulsorily for the purpose of any of their powers and duties. I am not aware of any difficulty in the application of the law which would be peculiar to towns such as those instanced by the Deputy, but I am aware that the procedure normally involved in the process of compulsory acquisition is sometimes considered too lengthy and complex where only small plots of ground are involved for such purposes as road-widening or road realignment. I have no proposals before me at present for the simplification of the statutory provisions in this respect, but I am informed that the matter will come up for review in the preliminary research work now in progress with a view to the revision and consolidation of the laws relating to local government generally.
Will the Minister ensure that when land is acquired, reasonable compensation will be paid to the tenant from whom the land is taken?
I always felt that reasonable compensation was provided.
There is no question of acquiring tenants' land. We are talking of a town, not a tenant.