Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO)

What is a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO)?

A Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) is a legal function that allows statutory bodies like Córas Iompair Éireann (CIÉ) / Iarnród Éireann - Irish Rail to buy land and property for large projects such as railway schemes where a compelling case for the benefit of public interest can be demonstrated. Compulsory purchase powers are provided to enable this to happen.

Having obtained the Railway Order, CIÉ can now commence the compulsory acquisition process. Given the scale of the project, a number of public and privately owned properties will be impacted and acquired, in whole or in part. 

CIÉ commences this process by serving notices to treat and the recipient can then lodge their claim for compensation. 

DART+ South West: The Compulsory Purchase Order process

The DART+ SW project team has commenced the issuing of  Notice to Treat packs to landowners along the route of the DART+ South West line who were identified as being in the Railway Order CPO process for the project. 

Were you issued with a CPO notice letter?

Please use our CPO Guide for information about every step of the process, including a list of Frequently Asked Questions.