Independent TD Michael Collins met with landowners from across the country who are directly impacted by proposed greenways and the potential use of Compulsory Purchase Orders (CPOs) in Laois last week.

The meeting highlighted growing concern about how greenway projects are being advanced without meaningful consultation and transparency.

Landowners, including a delegation from West Cork in relation to the Cork to Kinsale greenway, spoke of the stress and uncertainty caused by the threat of losing private property.

Deputy Collins told attendees that he will raise their concerns at national level and confirmed his plans to bring Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) before the Oireachtas Transport Committee.

The hearing aims to provide an opportunity to hold TII to account on issues of transparency, consultation, and the use of CPOs for Greenways.

While attendees made clear they support greenway development in principle, they voiced strong opposition to the use of CPOs for non-essential infrastructure.

The meeting ended with a call for national solidarity among landowners.