Best's "Strength in Unity"

A unified approach is crucial for landowners angered by the announcement of the A5 route last week, says Conor Mallon director of Newry and Dundalk based firm Best Property Services.

The announcement of the A5 route on 21^st July, signals the start of a process for this road which will affect 400-500 landowners.

Commenting on the reported anger and dissent among landowners potentially affected by the new A5, Mr Mallon says that there is strength in unity and pointed to the success of farmers in the South of Ireland following a deal negotiated between the National Roads and the Irish Farmers Association.

“While there is an established procedure for raising particular issues relating to each individual property, in my opinion it will be important - given the size and nature of this massive scheme for farmers particularly - to take a strong unified position in relation to negotiations.”

In the south of Ireland since 2001, a deal has been in place for farmers affected by any road scheme which was negotiated between the NRA (National Roads Authority) and the powerful farmers association, the IFA.

Conor says: “There are many interesting aspects to this deal which show example of best practice, for example there is an extra €5,000 per acre fixed payment and improved payment timescales.”

Best Property Services has dealt with over 50 claims on the recent A4 scheme to Ballygawley and utilised the terms laid out in the joint NRA/IFA deal on southern parts of the Newry Dundalk motorway. “Having dealt with claims for landowners on the Co. Louth stretch of the Newry Dundalk Road, it was interesting to see the extra benefits, which have been achieved by a strong farm lobby.”

Best Property Services are one of Northern Ireland’s leading firms of Chartered Surveyors, specialising in compulsory purchase claims.  Farmers and other property owners, who feel that they may be affected by the scheme, should initially attend one of the publicised open days to get more information on the route and how they may be affected.

If you are on the preferred route, it will be important to engage an agent for advice and guidance. Agents costs are in most cases paid by the Roads Service.

For more advice contact Conor Mallon, Brian Clarke, or Garry Best of Best Property Services, tel 028 3026 6811 or email info@bestpropertyservices.com