The compensation code for compulsory purchase of land, including land required for road development, provides for the payment of com pensation by local authorities for lands acquired by them on the authorisation of a duly confirmed CPO. The amount of compensation payable is a matter for negotiation between the landowner and the local authority concerned or, in the event of a dispute, for arbitration. The basic rule applied by the property arbitrator under the relevant legislation is the market value of the land. There is also provision for compensation for disturbance, severance and "injurious" affection.
I accept that in principle it is desirable for statutory procedures, including land acquisition, to be completed as quickly as possible. In this regard, the Planning and Development Act, 2000, tightens the time limits for dealing with CPOs which should lead to earlier completion of procedures in this area. I am also aware that issues regarding acquisition of agricultural land for major road and motorway construction have been raised by the Irish Farmers Association with the NRA and that dialogue between these parties is continuing.
