At this week’s meeting of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Transport, Laois TD William Aird called on Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) to take Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPOs) off the table in the development of Greenways.
Speaking from personal experience as a farmer who has faced a CPO, Deputy Aird highlighted how such notices cause distress to landowners and emphasised that Greenways succeed when the local communities are engaged and supportive, not threatened.
“Greenways are a great addition to Ireland’s landscape, providing safe and sustainable routes for cycling and walking.
“But the success of these projects depends on co-operation, not coercion,” said Deputy Aird.
“There is no need to frighten landowners with the threat of CPOs. Progress comes through agreement, and that is how we will see more Greenways completed successfully.”
Addressing the TII at the Oireachtas Committee, Deputy Aird said: “Please do not walk into a farmer and tell him, if you do not agree with me, I’ll serve a CPO on you.
“That doesn’t work, it’s not going to work, and you get the backs up of everybody on that greenway straight away.”
O’Connor of TII responded and acknowledged the point being made by Deputy Aird.
He said: “I don’t disagree with you, Deputy. CPO should not be the calling card but is required ultimately.”
The Joint Committee on Transport was joined by representatives of the Irish Farmers’ Association, National Greenway Action Association, Deise Greenway Group, and TII during its discussions on active travel and Greenway development.
Deputy Aird stressed that Greenways can flourish where the community is part of the process and called on TII to adopt a collaborative approach to planning.
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