James Geoghegan (Dublin Bay South, Fine Gael)
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I move:

That leave be granted to introduce a Bill entitled an Act to provide for the assessment of compensation payable on account of the compulsory acquisition of land; to provide for the acquisition of land by vesting order; to provide for the making of advance payments to owners, lessees and occupiers on account of compensation owed to them as a consequence of the compulsory acquisition of land; to provide for the transfer of functions relating to the assessment of compensation for compulsorily acquired land to the Valuation Tribunal; for those purposes to repeal the Acquisition of Land (Assessment of Compensation) Act 1919; and to provide for related matters.

This legislation will overhaul a fundamental part of our land and planning system, namely, the compulsory acquisition of property. CPOs are integral to the economic development of the country. If the State cannot acquire land in a transparent, timely and cost-effective way, we will not build the infrastructure we need. Without this infrastructure, our economic development comes to a halt. A well-functioning CPO system is also essential if we are to meaningfully tackle the housing crisis and end dereliction. These are problems that affect Dublin, but also towns and villages across the country.

It should be put on the record that the compulsory acquisition of land is a sensitive issue. It is not always pleasant when people are moved involuntarily from their homes or required to sell their lands. Although we need a streamlined and cost-effective CPO system, these landowners are entitled to clarity, transparency and fairness. This Bill provides that and strikes the balance needed to make CPOs work.

Unfortunately, our current system does not provide that. It is primitive. It is opaque, creates uncertainty and slows down the delivery of housing and infrastructure. A hodgepodge of about 70 statutes currently govern how the State can acquire land. Two of the most important laws date back to 1845 and 1919, before the foundation of the State. In 1845, we barely had a rail network, no electricity grid and the Great Famine was yet to happen. We had a feudal land law system and no planning system. Any CPO-type powers were not used for the public good but to consolidate large estates. It is wrong that such an important process is made unclear and often unviable because we are still governed by laws introduced by our old colonial masters. These statutes have long outlived their context and frustrate all stakeholders.

If our CPO system cannot command the confidence of acquiring authorities and affected landowners, then it will not work. That is why I am introducing this Bill, which was published by the Law Reform Commission in 2023 after the Government tasked it with examining our CPO system. This Bill repeals those old laws and sets out a clear, unified system that guarantees two things, namely, that the State can acquire the land needed to deliver infrastructure and housing, which are our two most important public goods, and that landowners are fairly compensated and have confidence the process will treat them fairly.

I will outline the key reforms put forward by the Bill. First, it introduces unambiguous statutory timelines so property owners will no longer be left in limbo dealing with uncertainty about payment and timelines. Under this Bill, vesting orders will be served within one week-----

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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Excuse me, Deputy. Could we have some quiet in the Gallery, please? Now, Minister. It is very difficult and I understand there is a lot of background noise.

James Geoghegan (Dublin Bay South, Fine Gael)
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You have upgraded me there, too. Thanks, a Cheann Comhairle.

Under this Bill, vesting orders will be served within one week of being made, compensation must be determined within six months by an independent valuation tribunal rather than a non-transparent panel of arbitrators, and once compensation is awarded, it must be paid within two months.

Second, the Bill establishes the right to an advance payment. Up to 90% of estimated or agreed compensation will be paid up front. This helps landowners plan and move to a new property if required. Uncertainty about whether a payment will be received or what the sum will be is a common source of opposition to CPOs.

Third, the Bill removes complexity surrounding unknown ownership for properties. Where heirs cannot be located or title is unclear, funds can be paid into court with structured avenues for claims, determinations and eventual release to the authority if the compensation goes unclaimed. There are several derelict properties in Dublin that cannot be compulsorily purchased right now because the owners cannot be tracked down. This Bill will bring an end to that.

Fourth, the Bill repeals the current arbitrary principles of compensation that were developed in 1919 and codifies far clearer modern principles. It also ensures land values are not inflated simply because the State intends to develop nearby. The public should benefit financially from public investment, not a landowner who has already been fairly compensated.

Last of all, the Bill greatly enhances transparency.

Advance payments, costs and interests must follow prescribed rules, bringing fairness to owners and accountability to public bodies. These changes will have a profound impact on housing infrastructure delivery and the renewal of towns and cities across the country.

The Bill will make our CPO process transparent, fair and quick. It strikes the balance between respecting property rights and empowering the State to act for the public good. It will make CPOs a modern tool for modern challenges. I commend the Bill to the House.

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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Is the Bill opposed?

Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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No. Well done to the Deputy for ploughing on.

Verona Murphy (Wexford, Independent)
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Since this is a Private Members' Bill, Second Stage must, under Standing Orders, be taken in Private Members' time.

James Geoghegan (Dublin Bay South, Fine Gael)
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I move: "That the Bill be taken in Private Members' time."