A compulsory purchase order (CPO; Irish: Ordú Ceannach Éigeantach,[1] Welsh: Gorchymyn prynu gorfodol) is a legal function in the United Kingdom and Ireland that allows certain bodies to obtain land or property without the consent of the owner.
It may be enforced if a proposed development is considered one for public betterment; for example, when building motorways where a landowner does not want to sell.
In Ireland, CPOs became quite common in the early 21st century due to the massive road upgrade programme under the National Development Plan.
[3] Compensation is available to ensure that the person is restored, as far as possible, to the financial position they were in before the land and property were compulsorily purchased.
Whilst the powers are strong, the authority must demonstrate that the taking of the land is necessary and there is a "compelling case in the public interest".