Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 181: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if the use of compulsory purchase orders powers has increased since his advice to Departments on this matter in 2005; the details of the increase; if he has secured faster release of lands and a more cost effective price for all forms of public infrastructure; and the savings secured. [5314/08]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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In my address to the Dublin Chambers of Commerce on 20th October 2005 on Value for Money, I noted that pro-active use of existing compulsory purchase order powers in appropriate circumstances could facilitate the faster release of lands at a cost effective price for all forms of public infrastructure and that I would be directing Government Departments to this effect. As regards details of how individual Government Departments have used Compulsory Purchase Order powers since that time, I would refer the Deputy those Departments for specific details.

In relation to my own Department, the compulsory purchase powers would arise in connection with the Government's Flood Relief programme. The Commissioners of Public Works have confirmed that the exercise of these powers has not been an impediment to the progress of the programme, and consequently, there has been no change in the manner of their use since 2005.