Roads Authority accused of treating farmers with contempt

The Irish Farmers Association has accused the National Roads Authority of adopting unethical tactics when imposing compulsory purchase orders (CPOs).

The association claimed the NRA was deliberately operating a policy of divide-and-conquer in order to offer farmers the lowest possible price for their land.

Spokesman Raymond O'Malley said: "I think it stems from the fact that the NRA have very, very little respect for farmers and even less respect for the land.

"To counter this, as farmers, I believe we have to stand up and get what is fair, what is right."