‘Rural needs have not been met’

The Irish Farmers’ Association gave the thumbs up to budget measures aimed at encouraging land leasing, but opposition parties and lobby groups claim the Government had failed rural communities.

IFA president Eddie Downey welcomed the Government’s agri-taxation review, and said many of the budget adjustments reflect submissions made by his organisation. He said changes would help land mobility and structural reform within the sector.

“The enhancement of measures to encourage land leasing and farm consolidation are positive, as is the extension of income averaging from three to five years. The increase in the flat rate Vat refund to 5.2% reflects higher input costs on farms,” he said.