Cllr: No CPOs for 'nice-to-have' greenways

Expanding the use of compulsory purchase orders (CPOs) to acquire land for the construction of greenways would set a “dangerous precedent” Cork County Council has heard.

The warning came as part of a joint motion by Fine Gael councillors John Michael Foley and Jack White, who are calling on the Government to reconsider the use of CPOs for the delivery of non-essential infrastructure.

Cllr Foley said concerns were raised by landowners recently during a series of public meetings regarding the controversial proposed Cork-Kinsale greenway.

The Bandon-Kinsale representative said landowners now fear that CPOs could be imposed on future greenway proposals in the area.

He said: “CPOs are one of the strongest powers available to the State; they allow land to be taken from people, not because they choose to sell, but because they are forced to.

“CPOs were created to deliver essential infrastructure such as roads, hospitals, schools, flood defences, utilities – things that society cannot function without. They should not be used to deliver non-essential projects such as greenways.”

Cllr Foley added that the use of compulsory purchase for “nice-to-have projects” such as greenways “crosses an important line” and puts lifestyle and recreation before fundamental property rights.

He continued: “Greenways may be desirable - they may even be beneficial – but they are not essential. They are amenities, not necessities.

“For many landowners, this is not abstract; this is family land, working farms, livelihoods built over generations.”

Though the motion received much support in the chamber, Social Democrats councillor Isobel Towse opposed it, arguing that without CPOs, there would be no greenways at all.

She said: “We have to think of developments in terms of the greater good for all of the public and the local people who would benefit in terms of massive revenue from tourism and improved quality of life.

“It obviously is very unfortunate for the individuals, but I would hope it’s very few that would have to have their land CPO-ed,” added Ms Towse.