Members of the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) have reassured farmers by making a “clear” stance on compulsory purchase orders (CPOs), stating that it is “absolutely not” in support of the orders.
The IFA previously met with officials from Louth County Council due to the concerns of landowners over the proposed Dundalk to Carlingford Greenway.
Louth County Council, in conjunction with TII (Transport Infrastructure Ireland), has proposed a 30km Greenway project to run from Dundalk Bay to Carlingford, impacting many farmers.
At a recent public meeting held by a group opposing the greenway, there seemed to be mixed messaging around where the IFA stood on the issue of CPOs.
The first request for a Code of Best Practice for National and Regional Greenways was made in July 2017 when the Greenways Strategy was being developed.
IFA Ulster/North Leinster regional chair Frank Brady said that the association “did the best deal possible for farmers in short notice”.
“We knew CPOs were coming in, so we did the best deal possible for farmers for the best price, but we are not in favour of CPOs,” Brady said.
CPOs
“We’re not getting involved unless a farmer asks. We’re not working with government, we’re not telling anyone to sell their land. We’re in the business of making sure farmers keep their land.
“The IFA is trying to help. Don’t blame the IFA, blame the TDs and councillors that signed off on the deal.
“We’re against CPOs in every shape and form. Unless a farmer comes and says that they have no alternative, they are going to be brought to court. And they say ‘I want you to do me the best deal’, then we will get involved,” Brady said.
Louth IFA chair Kevin Sweeney said that the county has the largest branch under the association and that the county representatives were “against” plans for the greenway.
He said there were some members that would have land impacted by the greenway route and that they were “absolutely against CPOs” and “there to help farmers”.
Sweeney said that if farmers “stuck together”, that “there is no way” the deal would go forward.