Rights of way registration deadline
Deputy McNamara raised concern about the land conveyancing reform deadline requiring long-used rights of way to be registered by 30 November. The Minister said the Justice Minister would publish the Bill shortly and sought House co-operation, which the Deputy welcomed.
I look forward to a substantive reply from the Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Deputy Naughton, or, indeed, the Minister, Deputy Ryan, on the issue of Doolin Coast Guard later this evening because of their Department's role in exacerbating the problem.
I raised the issue of the land conveyancing reform Act previously, which sets a deadline to register all rights of way. These have been used on a daily basis, perhaps for decades or even centuries, and all have to be registered by 30 November. That has created a huge amount of concern among my constituents. There is also concern among the legal profession that if everybody rushes in together there will be lots of litigation. When I raised this issue with the Minister for Justice, I was told a Bill would be brought in to get rid of that deadline so it would not be necessary to register rights of way. We are now getting close to the end of November and I do not see any sign of the Land and Conveyancing Law Reform (Amendment) Bill. Will we see that Bill? People need to know because they either have to register rights of way or they do not.
Comment on this
I know this is a very important matter. The Minister for Justice has informed me she aims to have this Bill published very shortly and is hopeful of getting co-operation from the House to ensure its passage. Deputy McEntee will deal with it. The Bill will be published very shortly. In fact, I have just been informed it is due to begin its passage in the Seanad next week, which means it will be published imminently.
Comment on this
I thank the Minister. That clarity is very welcome.