IFA rejects proposed CPOs on the Cliffs of Moher
Proposed CPOs along the Cliffs of Moher has sent shockwaves to landowners all over the country.
The IFA has strongly rejected proposals that private land be confiscated from farmers along the famous Cliffs of Moher.
The IFA is reacting to a report commissioned by Clare County Council where it was proposed that Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPO) would be utilised by the council to acquire ownership of privately owned land along the cliffs.
Tom Lane, former Clare IFA Chair, who has been leading negotiations on behalf of the 36 landowners, has called for Clare County Council to withdraw the CPO option and threat from the draft report.
“Instead, they should engage constructively with the farmers and the IFA so an appropriate and effective arrangement can be agreed on the Cliffs of Moher coastal walk which reflects the scale of up to 1.5m tourists and estimated revenue of €19m annually,” said Mr Lane.
Mr Lane continued by saying the threat of CPOs has sent shock waves to landowners all over the country who have facilitated walkways in their local communities and benefited tourism.
“On the Cliffs of Moher, as a direct consequence of facilitating the walkway and making it a success through permissive access, landowners are facing the threat of a CPO. This is wrong and a complete abuse of power,” he stated.
A spokesperson for Clare County Council said: “As the 'Cliffs of Moher Coastal Walk Management Plan' or the so-called Tobin Report is still a draft and not signed off by the relevant partners, Clare County Council cannot comment on the report at this stage.
"The local authority does acknowledge, however the upset to landowners following the leaked report of the initial draft, with much of the attention from the leaked report focusing on the possible use of CPO. This is never the preferred option of Clare County Council who remain committed to continue working with local landowners in the area to ensure a walk can ultimately exist from Doolin to Hags Head."
"Clare County Council looks forward to engaging and discussing future plans for the Cliffs of Moher Walk with all interested parties following the publication of the final report.”
