A renewed co-operation agreement has been signed in respect of land compulsorily acquired or to be acquired for the development of the national road network.

The agreements was made between the Department for Transport Infrastructure Ireland (DTII) and the Irish Farmers Association (IFA).

The Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, Michael Ring TD, said he was delighted the partnership had been renewed.

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Minister Ring said: "The renewed agreement will see a fixed payment of €3,000 per acre being paid to landowners on all lands and associated areas acquired for national road improvement works in accordance with the terms of the agreement. I thank everyone for the work they have done in getting to this stage and ensuring continued co-operation."

IFA's National Chairman, Jer Bergin, said: "The agreement is an important framework which shapes further the original 2001 agreement. Important measures such as the fixed payment are restored, albeit at a reduced rate, and the assessment process where disputes arise is streamlined. IFA has also secured a commitment that the fixed payment will be made retrospective and all eligible farmers who missed out on this payment will now benefit."

(CD)