Latest news with #CPO
Irish Times
3 hours ago
- General
- Irish Times
Galway farmer granted permission to challenge Greenway purchase decision ‘splitting' his farm
A Galway farmer has been granted permission to challenge a compulsory purchase order (CPO) made by An Coimisiún Pleanála (ACP) to construct a cycleway that he says would run across his land and 'split' his farm. He has claimed the route built under the Connemara Greenway Project would make his farmlands – in his family since the 1940s – 'unmanageable and landlocked'. At the High Court, lawyers for Oliver Joyce, of Emloughmore, Clifden, Co Galway, successfully applied to Ms Justice Emily Farrell to challenge the ACP's decision to grant a May 2025 compulsory purchase order (CPO) to Galway County Council relating to lands he owns at Doireliagh, Doireclunlaigh, Clifden, in Co Galway. The project aims to install a cycle and walkway going from Galway city to Clifden over 76km (47 miles) that would go through 'the backbone' of Mr Joyce's property along the old Galway-to-Clifden railway line, he claimed. READ MORE Mr Oliver has taken the challenge against ACP's decision to approve the compulsory acquisition, with Galway County Council named as a notice party. In court papers, Mr Oliver said he was conscious that his farmlands were located in a 'highly sensitive environment', which includes marshland and hilled areas that form part of the Connemara Bog Complex SAC, a conservation area. The plaintiff submitted the practice of farming the lands through generations of his family was done 'in perfect symmetry with the environment' and that he is 'very passionate and concerned about this'. Mr Oliver claimed that when the project was first proposed by the council, it was to be carried out on a permissive basis such that the council would be facilitated in accessing the lands, but the lands would remain in his ownership and open so stock could travel across both sides of the farm. He submitted that his lands have a mix of soil types and this variety was essential, in that each part is integrated and grazed with the marshy area providing water during dry periods and the hilly areas providing respite during inclement weather conditions. Mr Oliver said the project, as approved by the granting, was different from the original, in that it now envisages a wider walk and cycleway. He submitted that he was assured by the council that the lands would remain open for stock to travel and that any fencing would only be constructed when they were required by the landowner and that the application to ACP was one based on his permission. Mr Oliver claimed he understood the project to initially comprise of a 2.5m-wide (8.2ft) 'informal track of a type that one would see in the countryside', but that the more recent, larger scheme now involved a 3.5m-wide (11.5ft) asphalt track with full fencing involving 'sheep wire and barbed wire'. The plaintiff said he was 'shocked' that after an initial agreement on the scheme, Galway County Council then said they would 'accept nothing less than full ownership' and sought the CPO. Mr Oliver argued that the 'fundamental basis of the scheme has been turned on its head' by the CPO and that the decision to do so was 'taken without cause or justification'. He further claimed that environmental assessments carried out and submitted to ACP related to the original scheme and that the new elements that arose in the CPO scheme were not previously considered for environmental impact. Ms Justice Farrell granted leave for the judicial review to Michael O'Donnell BL, instructed by Harrington & Co solicitors – for Mr Oliver – and adjourned the matter to September.
Irish Independent
16-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
New compulsory purchase order laws ‘could reduce CPO by six months' and tackle vacant properties
Today, Mr Geoghegan will introduce legislation into the Dail reform Ireland's CPO system, which he says will accelerate housing delivery in Ireland. The Dublin Bay South TD said the current system was 'fragmented, outdated, and overly complex'. 'It causes unnecessary delays, inflates costs and slows down the very projects we urgently need – from new homes to vital infrastructure. That's why I'm introducing this Bill today,' Mr Geoghegan said. The legislation being brought forward would see clear definitions, timelines, and rules for notices and claims while also introducing advanced compensation payments of at least 90pc of the agreed or estimated value. There would also be defined time limits for compensation claims. According to Dublin City Council, the average CPO process takes at least 18 months, something the party's Dublin spokesperson said was 'not compatible' with the challenges the country faces in housing. 'In our bill, we expect that it would deliver it in 12 months. England and Wales, as they've sort of gone through the process, they've actually lowered it even to nine months,' Mr Geoghegan said. 'The CPO process has so many elements to it, and it's providing clear timelines at every element of that process. 'When you're notified that a CPO is going to take place, if you're a prospective landowner, what kind of compensation you're going to receive as a prospective land owner, it's tightening all of that up together so that you have a simpler, less bureaucratic process,' he added. The legislation is based on recommendations from the Law Reform Commission, which were published in 2023. ADVERTISEMENT Part of those recommendations was ensuring that those who own the properties under a CPO would get market value for those properties, Mr Geoghegan said. 'One of the things that the Law Reform Commission made clear when they carried out their research and when they published the bill was that they weren't getting into the domain of policy in terms of delivering up land prices below market value. 'You would get market value for the land. That's how it would be measured. That's what the bill would initiate, and would dictate,' he said. The Fine Gael TD said CPOs would be particularly important in tackling the vacant property crisis in Dublin. "Recent data shows over 12,000 residential and commercial units lie empty and shockingly, 40pc have been vacant for more than four years. 'These buildings could be transformed into badly needed homes and help make Dublin safer, livelier and more liveable,' Mr Geoghegan said.
Daily Express
12-07-2025
- Daily Express
Palm oil worth RM2.9 million seized in Sandakan, 4 held
Published on: Saturday, July 12, 2025 Published on: Sat, Jul 12, 2025 By: Winnie Kasmir Text Size: Storage tanks filled with CPO and PPO seized. SANDAKAN: A joint operation involving Marine Police Force and the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) here led to the arrest of four suspects and seizure of crude and processed palm oil worth nearly RM3 million. The integrated operation, conducted around 3:30pm, Thursday, involved simultaneous raids at two separate locations in Sandakan. In the first along the Sandakan-Kinabatangan roadside, authorities detained four male suspects aged between 20 and 45. The individuals were caught red-handed transferring Crude Palm Oil (CPO) from a tanker lorry into another storage tank for transport to a different location. Two tanker lorries containing the CPO were confiscated on site. The second raid occurred at a premises in Bandar Ramai-Ramai, Sandakan, where enforcement personnel discovered another tanker lorry and several storage tanks filled with both crude palm oil (CPO) and processed palm oil (PPO). The total haul was valued at RM2,965,400, comprising 75,000 litres of palm oil products. According to Commander of PPM Wilayah 4 Sabah, ACP Mohd Nazri Ibrahim, the case is being investigated under the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (Licensing) Regulations 2005. He added that so far in 2025, PPM Wilayah 4 has recorded 11 cases and arrested 23 individuals, with the total value of seizures exceeding RM12.2 million. The force remains focused on combating cross-border crimes and smuggling activities in national waters, particularly in maritime hotspots near neighboring countries. Nazri urged the public to report any suspicious activities that may threaten national interests or local communities. Reports can be made directly to the PPM operations room via telephone at 088-454819 or through the official Facebook page of PPM Wilayah 4 Sabah. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
UAE Moments
11-07-2025
- Automotive
- UAE Moments
What to Check Before Buying a Used Car in 2025
Thinking about buying a used car in 2025 but not sure where to start? You're in the right place for a used car buyer guide 2025. In today's fast-paced city life, getting maximum value, peace‑of‑mind, and reliability from a used ride matters. But hidden issues, sketchy paperwork, or overlooked maintenance can turn a smart purchase into a headache. In this guide, you'll learn what to check before buying a used car in 2025 —from setting a realistic budget to running mechanical inspections, test-driving techniques, and spotting red flags. We also break down legal steps, savvy negotiation tactics, and when a certified pre-owned car might be worth it. Whether you're after a sporty hatchback or rugged compact SUV, this roadmap ensures you're covered—and cruising with confidence. Ready? Let's hit the used car inspection checklist 2025, and here's how to inspect a used car before buying. 1. Set Your Budget & Plan Buying a used car means more than the sticker price. Factor in road tax, insurance, fuel, service, and potential repairs. Research " used car financing 2025" to avoid surprises. Decide early if you want a certified pre-owned model with warranty or a basic used one—CPOs cost more upfront but can save you long‑term in reliability and resale value. 2. Do Your Research Start with model reviews and reliability data—for example, check Consumer Reports or CarGurus. Investigate recalls for your specific year and model using VIN searches. When comparing prices locally, search ' used car market 2025 ' to understand fair value. Knowing the car's typical trade‑in vs private-sale rates gives you leverage when negotiating. 3. Check Vehicle History Never skip the vehicle history report. Look for accident history, flood damage, title branding, and odometer tampering. Consumer Reports shares a valuable vehicle history check tips, stressing the importance of verifying mileage and maintenance via services like Carfax. A clean report doesn't guarantee a perfect ride, but it's a strong filter. 4. Inspect Exterior & Interior Walk around in daylight! Uneven paint, mismatched panels, or rust—even small dents—might hint at bigger damage. Don't forget to check the frame and undercarriage. Inside, test windows, infotainment, climate control, and upholstery. Smells like smoke or mildew could mean hidden water damage. 5. Mechanical & Under‑Bonnet Check Lift the hood and review oil, coolant, brake—all should be clear. A milky fluid could signal head gasket issues. Look for fluid leaks, worn belts, or frayed wiring. Ask the seller to start the engine cold—this can reveal faint ticking or misfires. 6. Suspension & Tires Bounce each corner of the car to test shocks—only one bounce means good dampers. Inspect tires: tread depth, even wear (misalignment hint), and look for cracks or bulges. Tire health hints at how hard the car has been driven and if suspension parts may be worn. 7. Test Drive Smartly Let the car warm up, then drive on city streets and highways. Listen for noises—thumps over bumps, squeals on turns, or grinding brakes. Feel for smooth acceleration. Test the AC thoroughly—no kip in Dubai, right? Finally, ensure steering is tight and brakes stop smoothly without pulling. 8. Negotiation & Pricing Use your findings—minor repairs, worn tires, detailing—as bargaining chips. Pull up your market price data and present transparent reasons for your offer. Sellers respect buyers who know their numbers. Financing? Getting pre-approved can give you leverage. 9. Paperwork & Legal Steps Ensure title, registration, and VINs all match. Ask for proof of insurance, valid MOT or safety certificate. If you're buying a certified pre-owned car, verify the warranty paperwork. Factor in transfer fees and inspection costs before signing—and never sign blank forms. 10. Spot Red Flags Watch for hubcaps taped on, odd serial numbers on VIN plates, mismatched mileage on records, or sellers rushing the paperwork. These could be signs of cloned or stolen cars. Trust your gut—walk away if something feels off. Quick Takeaways Budget smart: include insurance, maintenance, and fuel. Research model reliability and recall history. Always get a vehicle history report. Inspect under the hood and test-drive thoroughly. Use findings to negotiate price confidently. Handle all legal steps correctly—don't skip paperwork. Trust instincts—if something's off, walk away. FAQs Can I skip a professional pre-purchase inspection? A short and private inspection can help, but a certified mechanic's review is safest—especially to catch hidden problems. How much does a vehicle history report cost? Typically USD 30–40 via Carfax or AutoCheck—it's a small price to avoid costly surprises. Is a certified pre-owned car worth it? CPOs cost more but often include warranties, inspected parts, and can be worth it in reliability and resale. What's acceptable mileage for a 2025 used car? Around 10,000–15,000 miles/year is average. Significantly higher or lower mileage warrants more scrutiny. Should I buy an extended warranty? Extended coverage can bail you out if repairs come up—especially for older models approaching wear thresholds. Buying a used car in 2025 doesn't have to be nerve-wracking—it just takes preparation to avoid hidden issues in used cars. From budgeting to mechanical inspections, test-driving properly, and understanding legal steps, you'll protect your wallet and get a reliable ride. Avoid red flags, use data for negotiation, and consider a certified option for extra peace of mind. Ready to hit the road with confidence? Start your search today and drive smart.
CBC
08-07-2025
- Business
- CBC
Decades-old problems are plaguing federal contracting system, watchdog says
Social Sharing As the Liberal government attempts to clean up federal contracting, the procurement watchdog says the current system is in desperate need of "fundamental change" and is calling for the creation of a central body to oversee all government purchasing. "The same issues are identified year after year and most span decades," a report from the Office of the Procurement Ombud, Alexander Jeglic, says. The report, released Tuesday morning, highlights a number of potential solutions to clean up a procurement system it characterizes as being plagued by long-standing issues. It says the "most critical change required" is the creation of a chief procurement officer (CPO). The CPO would be a central body that oversees government purchases, simplifies contracting processes and fills in accountability gaps that exist between various departments involved, the report says. "The current procurement system is marked by silos of responsibility and accountability that sometimes overlap with each other or leave glaring gaps. When accountabilities and responsibilities in a procurement system are not exceptionally clear, it becomes very difficult to address the problems plaguing the system," the report says. Other jurisdictions, including the U.K., have such a central body, it notes. Jeglic's report also called for the creation of a "vendor's performance-management system" — a way to keep track of a company's history with government contracts. Federal contracting and procurement has been under a microscope in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Last year, Auditor General Karen Hogan reported excessive reliance on contractors was a major factor contributing to the controversial ArriveCan app's ballooning $59.5-million price tag. That report also said there were several omissions in financial record-keeping for the pandemic-era project that made it almost impossible to determine final costs. In the wake of that report, the feds have referred several cases of suspected contractor fraud to the RCMP and have filed a civil lawsuit against a number of contractors and one IT subcontractor. Hogan conducted a subsequent audit of government contracts awarded to GC Strategies — the main contractor for the ArriveCan project. That report, released last month, highlighted several "deficiencies in how public servants applied federal procurement rules." Just prior to the release of last month's audit, the government banned GC Strategies from bidding on federal contracts for seven years. Jeglic made a number of other recommendations. They include a call for the government to create one body of procurement rules, harness artificial intelligence to modernize the contracting system and establish a government-wide framework for procurement data collection. Tuesday's report comes as Prime Minister Mark Carney has promised to boost defence procurement to reach NATO spending targets. Carney has promised that Canada will be spending two per cent of its GDP on defence by March. To that end, Defence Minister David McGuinty announced $850 million in infrastructure upgrades to CFB Trenton on Monday. Jeglic's report notes that defence spending currently involves a number of various departments and says the government should consider creating a separate CPO for defence. Alternatively, the government could hand over all military procurement activities to one department, either the Department of National Defence or Public Services and Procurement Canada.
