Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 February 2026
324. Deputy Michael Murphy asked the Minister for Transport whether he considers the use of compulsory purchase orders appropriate for the development of greenways and other leisure amenities; the guidance which has been issued to local authorities regarding the use of CPO powers in this context; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14701/26]
View answerAs Minister for Transport, I have responsibility for overall policy and exchequer funding in relation to greenways. The planning, design and construction of National and Regional Greenways is a matter for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) in conjunction with the relevant local authority
The Code of Best Practice for National and Regional Greenways was published in late 2021 following its development by a sub-group made up of a range of representatives from the rural recreation, tourism, sport, farming, local business development and transport sectors. The Code provides guidance on the planning, designing and constructing of Greenways. It includes an overview of the public consultation processes, constraints study, route selection and statutory processes. It also includes information on the use of State-owned lands and the acquisition of private lands for developing Greenways.
The intention of the Code is to ensure a transparent and pragmatic approach in taken in relation to land acquisition. The Code states that:
“Where it is not feasible to use State owned lands or where there is limited State-owned lands, the project promoter will then engage with local landowners with sustained and regular engagement embedded within the Code.”
The importance of regular public consultation is embedded within the Code. Engagement between affected landowners and the project team is a critical step to ensure that severance of farm holdings is avoided where feasible to do so particularly once a preferred route corridor is published. An independent agronomist is available to assist landowners with their queries provide advice on the impact of the proposals.
The Code does refer to the use of the Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) as a ‘measure of last resort’ if voluntary land acquisition agreements are not possible after sustained engagement with individual landowners. The CPO is a legal mechanism that is contained within the Planning and Development Act 2000 (Section 213) and the Roads Act 1993 (Section 52); the statutory options available to local authorities in relation to CPO usage are contained within these pieces of legislation.
It is important to note the CPO process involves a number of stages and allows for continued negotiations at every stage to provide the opportunity for a voluntary agreement to be entered into between landowners and the project promoters. Under the CPO process, where agreement cannot be reached the statutory arbitration process is available. It is important to highlight that the majority of claims are resolved by negotiated agreement without the need for a decision from an arbitrator.
Lastly, and importantly, the Code acknowledges the important role of farmers and landowners in the process. It highlights the importance of treating them fairly and equitably.
