Farmers don't want to lose land to roadworks
A LARGE group of West Kerry farmers gathered at an ICMSA meeting in the Annascaul Community Centre last Tuesday night to discuss the major roadworks scheme on the N-86 Dingle – Camp road that will require many farmers to comply with compulsory purchase orders (CPOS) to make land available for road widening.
"The magnitude and sheer scale of such roadworks have never been seen before in West Kerry," said Annascaul dairy farmer and Chairman of ICMSA in Kerry, Pat Rohan. "Farmers in the area feel that there is a need for more information; the truth is that nobody wants to lose land, but in the case of a CPO they have little choice."
"Some farmers are also concerned about access and the provision of under-passes for those who have land on either side of the N86. In the case of dairy farmers, for example, many need to cross the road with animals up to four-times a day – these issues need clarification," he said.
The issues surrounding payments for land were discussed at the meeting as an incentivisation scheme of approximately €5,000 for those participating in CPOS relating to the road-works was abolished in Budget 2012. West Kerry farmers at the Annascaul meeting where issues surrounding the CPOS for the expansion of the N86 Dingle – Camp road were discussed.
"The previously proposed payment of €5,000 is now non-applicable," Mr Rohan said. "However there are greater issues arising from this for West Kerry farmers when it comes to payment."
"At the moment we are all being encouraged to develop and expand but the reality is that many local farmers will not be able to make up the land they lose under the CPOS."
"In addition capital gains tax will have to be paid on any CPO payment received and the 'roll-over relief' is no longer available," he said.
The fact that different farmers will be affected to varying degrees was also highlighted at the meeting. "The CPOS are based on location and some of the smaller farmers in the area will be hit harder," Mr Rohan said. "The chances of replacing the land lost by farmers under the CPOS in these areas is virtually non-existent.
