IFA reaches agreement on compulsory land purchase for national road development

THE Irish Farmers’ Association and Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, Michael Ring TD, today ( Tuesday) announced the signing of a renewed co- operation agreement between the Department, Transport Infrastructure Ireland ( TII) and the IFA in respect of land compulsorily acquired or to be acquired for the development of the national road network.

Minister Ring said: ‘ I am delighted that we have renewed our partnership with the IFA and TII to ensure the delivery of key national infrastructure while respecting landowners’ rights and concerns. The renewed agreement will see a fixed payment of € 3,000 per acre being paid to landowners on all lands and associated areas acquired for national road improvement works in accordance with the terms of the agreement. I thank everyone for the work they have done in getting to this stage and ensuring continued co- operation.’

IFA’s National Chairman, Jer Bergin, said: ‘ The agreement is an important framework which shapes further the original 2001 agreement. Important measures such as the fixed payment are restored, albeit at a reduced rate, and the assessment process where disputes arise is streamlined. IFA has also secured a commitment that the fixed payment will be made retrospective and all eligible farmers who missed out on this payment will now benefit’.

The Chief Executive of Transport Infrastructure Ireland, Michael Nolan, said: ‘ We look forward to delivering national roads projects across the country over the next few years in co- operation with the IFA and its members’.