Drafting of Land Bill approved
It will provide for amendments to the Land Acts arising from the dissolution of the Land Commission in 1998 and is aimed at facilitating a smooth transfer of ownership of land to the people who actually use it.
There are currently nearly 7,000 farmers paying land annuities and many others who benefit from the use of former Land Commission trust property such as sports clubs and community groups.
Among the proposals approved by the Government is a scheme to allow farmers buy out their existing land annuities at a discount of 25% subject to all outstanding arrears being paid in full.
It is intended that the discounted buy-out scheme will be available for a limited period following the enactment of the Bill.
A further proposal is to allow the Minister for Agriculture and Food to arrange transfer of title of former Land Commission trust property at the request of the trustees.
Minister Aylward said that this will remove the legal and financial burdens placed on trustees and it will also facilitate the transfer of land used by sports clubs and community groups to such organisations.
It is hoped this provision will remove some of the bureaucracy involved in developing these lands and will result in better facilities and grounds around the country.
