"Notice to Treat"
Protect Your Property Rights with Expert Legal Guidance
If you have received a Notice to Treat from CIÉ (Córas Iompair Éireann), you may be facing the compulsory acquisition of part of your land or property. This is a serious legal step, and it is essential that you obtain independent specialist legal advice as early as possible.
McKenna & Co. Solicitors are experienced in advising property owners affected by compulsory purchase, infrastructure projects, and Notices to Treat issued by public bodies.
In most cases, CIÉ is responsible for paying your reasonable legal and professional fees meaning there is typically no cost to you.
What is a Notice to Treat?
A Notice to Treat is a formal legal notice served by CIÉ indicating its intention to compulsorily acquire land or property interests for an infrastructure or transport project.
Once a Notice to Treat issues:
- Strict statutory deadlines apply
- Your response can affect your compensation and legal rights
- Early decisions may impact future negotiations
Failing to take legal advice at an early stage can result in reduced compensation or loss of important protections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to agree to CIÉ taking my land?
Not necessarily. You have rights and options that should be considered before any agreement is reached.
What compensation am I entitled to?
Compensation can include the value of land taken, disturbance, severance, and other losses.
What if only part of my property is affected?
Partial acquisition can raise complex issues that require careful legal advice.
How McKenna & Co. Solicitors Can Help
We act exclusively in the interests of property owners and landowners. Our services include:
- Advising on Notices to Treat and compulsory purchase powers
- Protecting your property rights and legal entitlements
- Advising on compensation, severance, and injurious affection
- Managing all correspondence and negotiations with CIÉ
- Guiding you clearly through each stage of the process
We regularly advise clients whose gardens, homes, or lands are partially affected by compulsory acquisition.
Legal Fees
Under compulsory purchase legislation, CIÉ is generally responsible for paying the reasonable legal and professional fees of affected property owners.
This means you can obtain expert legal advice and representation without any upfront cost in most cases.
We will explain the fee position clearly at the outset.
Act Promptly – Strict Time Limits Apply
Notices to Treat usually impose tight timeframes, often as short as 40 days, within which key steps must be taken.
Acting promptly helps to:
- Protect your negotiating position
- Ensure fair compensation
- Avoid unnecessary disputes or delays
Book an Initial Consultation
We can usually arrange an initial consultation within one week to:
- Review your Notice to Treat
- Explain your rights and options in plain language
- Advise on the most appropriate next steps
This page is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
