IFA reaffirms its opposition to CPOs for greenways

THE IFA has reaffirmed its opposition to using compulsory purchase orders (CPO) for greenway developments.

The issue has come to the fore in Mayo, with fears that the proposed Belclare-Murrisk greenway will proceed via CPO, with land owners objecting to the route, saying it should run along the road.

Addressing the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Transport on greenways, IFA infrastructure project team chair Paul O’Brien said the IFA’s position is clear and consistent: Greenways should, wherever possible, be developed on public lands and not on privately owned farmland.

This principle is aligned with the Government’s Strategy for the Future Development of National and Regional Greenways (2018), which states that ' the preferred model for future greenways is to use lands already in the undisputed ownership or control of the State, either through Government Agencies, Government Departments or Local Authorities'.

Said Mr. O'Brien: “Unfortunately, this principle is not being upheld in practice.

“Many proposed greenway routes are being planned across privately-owned farmland rather than public or State lands. This approach is deeply problematic and is causing significant anxiety and hardship for farm families whose livelihoods depend on those lands.”

The impact of a greenway cutting through a working farm can be severe, disrupting normal operations, dividing holdings, creating safety risks, and undermining the long-term viability of farm enterprises.

Mr. O’Brien said the IFA is totally opposed to the use of compulsory purchase orders for greenway projects.

“Greenways are amenity projects, not essential public infrastructure such as national roads or power lines,” he stated. “The Code of Practice for Greenways, agreed between the IFA and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), clearly provides for voluntary land acquisition agreements as the appropriate mechanism for securing access where required.”

Mr. O’Brien said it has been suggested by some local authorities that certain greenways will follow ‘old or abandoned railway lines’.

However, in most cases, these lands have long since been reintegrated into active farm enterprises. In many areas, the original railway corridor has been incorporated into private holdings for decades, and is now home to houses, yards and productive farmland.

Across the country, IFA members have reported a lack of meaningful and practical consultation and engagement on greenway projects.

Continued Mr. O'Brien: “In many cases, farmers have had no direct contact from project promoters until the project is gone too far and at the emerging preferred route corridor stage. Prior to this stage, farmers feel the consultation is a box ticking exercise and a lot of the work and design on the route is a desk top exercise.

“Most local authorities have declined to attend IFA-organised meetings with affected landowners. This approach is unacceptable.”

Constructive dialogue - not confrontation - should be the starting point for all greenway planning. Early, open, and respectful engagement is essential if projects are to gain the confidence and cooperation of local communities.