INHFA calls for hold on vesting order on Achill land CPO

THE Irish Natura and Hill Farmers Association (INHFA) has called on Mayo councillors to support a motion that puts a stay on any move by the county council to allow the implementation of a compulsory purchase order on the Keel Sandybanks on Achill Island.

INHFA national chair Micheal McDonnell stressed the need for all councillors to back a stay on the implementation by the local authority of a vesting order to finalise the compulsory purchase order that was first initiated in 1970.

“This stay is necessary to allow adequate time to fully assess the process by which the lands were acquired," he stated.

Since news on the CPO broke a number of members have contacted the INHFA 'expressing their concern and dismay'. “It is vital that these concerns are listened to and addressed," said Mr. McDonnell.

Farmers have, he stated, 'farmed these lands on the clear understanding that they owned the land and indeed have, when required, provided the necessary documentation to the Department of Agriculture'.

He stressed: “This process must not be rushed as all of the legal elements must be considered."

More on the story - Questions asked of council over historical Achill land CPO