COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

south dublin county council crest

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, September 13, 2010

MOTION NO.5

MOTION: Councillor R. Dowds

“That this Committee asks that Councillors are informed about land purchases by South Dublin County Council every time such a land purchase is completed”.

REPORT:

The majority of land acquisitions at present are to facilitate Road Construction and Road Improvement Schemes, and these acquisitions are by way of Compulsory Purchase Order.  The Members for each area have always been advised when a Compulsory Purchase Order has been made.  In recent years there have been no new Compulsory Purchase Order Schemes, but the actual compensation payments and land transfers are still ongoing for some plots on existing Compulsory Purchase Orders.  In most circumstances the areas of land involved are for carriageway median, footpaths and cycle track purposes, but on occasions it has been necessary to acquire larger plots of land to facilitate, bridge construction etc. It has also been necessary to acquire houses or business premises, where it would not be viable to continue running a business from the remaining premises, following the acquisition of lands, and where the Councils Valuer recommend the purchase of residual interest rather than pay considerable injurious affection charges.   

There are of course other land acquisitions from time to time for other Council purposes, or if considered prudent, in order to provide for the Councils future needs.  However, again in recent times, because of the Council’s financial status, these are carefully considered, and acquisitions are not as frequent as in the past. 

If the above motion is passed by the Members, arrangements can be made to advise the Members of all land acquisitions in the future.  However, reference to existing Compulsory Purchase Order drawings does clearly indicate the majority of lands being acquired to meet the Council’s projected needs.  Any additional acquisitions (acquisitions by agreement) can be notified to the Members as appropriate.