Collins welcomes stakeholders to transport committee as CPO concerns take centre stage - "Private property must be respected"

Collins welcomes stakeholders to transport committee as CPO concerns take centre stage - "Private property must be respected"

Independent Ireland Leader TD for Cork South-West, Michael Collins, has welcomed the attendance of organisations from across Ireland before the Oireachtas Transport Committee tomorrow (Tuesday) for discussions on Active Travel and Greenways, while highlighting growing public concern over the use of Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPOs) in greenway projects.

Deputy Collins said that while there is strong support for the principle of developing greenways and active travel infrastructure, the CPO process “has become one of the most serious issues affecting rural communities”, and requires urgent attention from Government. "Private property rights must be respected, Govt cannot railroad farmers and property owners into accepting Greenways regardless of their opinions or property rights"

“Over recent months I have attended public meetings in counties across Ireland, and the same concerns arise time and again,” he said. “Farmers, landowners, and local residents are not opposed to greenways — they simply want fairness, transparency, and respect. The CPO process as it stands is undermining public confidence and causing unnecessary distress.”

Tomorrow’s committee hearings will bring together a wide range of stakeholders, including representatives from farming organisations, national greenway action groups, and Transport Infrastructure Ireland, for discussions on the future of greenways and active travel policy.

Mr Collins also drew attention to a protest taking place outside Leinster House tomorrow morning, organised by groups representing landowners and rural communities.

“This protest is an important statement from the people most affected by these policies,” he said. “We all want to see greenways succeed, but they must be developed in partnership with the people — not imposed upon them. I look forward to hearing from all sides at the committee and to engaging constructively on how this issue can be resolved in a fair and balanced way.”