CIÉ fails to quash docklands CPO

CIÉ has failed to quash a compulsory purchase order (CPO) on some of its property in the Cork docklands after a High Court judge ruled the consent of the Minister for Transport was not a pre-condition before the CPO process is started.

Mr Justice Iarfhlaith O’Neill said the consent of the minister was not an initial pre-condition, jurisdictional step or requirement before a CPO is begun and it can be obtained at any time up to the latest stage in the process.

CIÉ, and one of its group companies Iarnród Éireann, had brought proceedings against Cork City Council and An Bord Pleanála seeking to quash the making of a CPO on lands needed to build a road as part of a docklands regeneration scheme. An Bord Pleanála did not participate in the High Court proceedings, but had adjourned its own hearing into the CPO pending the outcome.