Stephen Cadogan: Foresters and hauliers first to benefit big in changed times

People in haulage and forestry are celebrating after this week’s Budget.

The owner of a 20-tonne truck sees their annual motor tax bill reduced €4,295 in one fell swoop, and the removal of forestry income from the ‘High Earners Restriction’ for active foresters and farmers means that clear-felling income will be tax-free.

Forestry has long been an income tax free area, in recogniton of the 40 years it takes to grow the crop.