New Land Bill to provide for write-off and buy-out of annuities

The Government has announced that it is to introduce a new write-off and buy-out scheme for land annuities in a new Land Bill.

The new legislation should benefit 7,000 farmers as it provides for land annuities, including arrears of less than €200 per year, to be written off.

It also provides for a 25% discount on other annuity buy-outs.

The Bill will cut down on the red tape involved in transferring land formerly owned by the Irish Land Commission to sports clubs and community groups.