UFU welcomes Land Acquisition and Compensation Bill

The Ulster Farmers' Union has welcomed confirmation that a new Land Acquisition and Compensation Bill for Northern Ireland has passed its final stage in the Northern Ireland Assembly.

By The Newsroom

Published 22nd Mar 2016, 10:23 BST

Updated 22nd Mar 2016, 10:45 BST

This Bill will ensure that landowners are more fairly compensated, putting them on a par with England and Wales.

“Since August 2009, the UFU has been pressing to secure fairer compensation for farmers affected by road schemes. We are acutely aware they face disruption to their businesses and under the current arrangements this was not recognised,” said UFU deputy president, Barclay Bell.

He added that the compulsory acquisition of land was always a difficult issue, because in this situation farmers are not willing sellers. In GB, they receive an additional 7.5 per cent ‘Basic Loss Payment’ and an additional 2.5 per cent ‘Occupiers Loss Payment’

“We are pleased that the transport minister, Michelle McIlveen, who successfully sought accelerated passage for the Bill, listened to our concerns,” said Mr Bell.

UFU Northern Ireland