IFA agrees road land acquisition deal

A fixed payment of €3,000 per acre for all lands and associated areas acquired for national road improvement works has been agreed between the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport; Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII); and the Irish Farmers Association

The agreement does not prejudice the rights of landowners, TII, or local authorities.

Where the landowner and the local authority, or TII, fail to agree a settlement, either party may seek an independent assessment by a suitably qualified arbitrator.

Minister of state at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, Michael 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.”

IFA 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.”

TII chief 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.”

TII is responsible for managing and improving the national road and light rail networks.

The agreement applies to land not the subject of planning permission or zoned for open space, commercial, residential, industrial, or recreational purposes.

In accordance with the terms, where land is being acquired, a fixed payment of €3,000 per acre will be paid to landowners, where notice to treat is served within the timeframe of the agreement.

All parties to the agreement will promote its use for land acquisition for the national roads programme, up to December 31, 2020.

This includes the landowner, on receipt of at least 14 days written notice, allowing early access to land for site investigation works in order to identify and assess potential routes, and full co-operation with local authorities for these purposes.

A liaison group from TII, IFA and local authorities will facilitate efficient and effective implementation of the agreement.