Connect with us

News

Cost of agricultural land set to increase by 8% this year

Published

3 years ago

on

0256509_Ted_Healy_1000x600.jpg
.

By Ted Healy of DNG TED HEALY

The results of a survey on agricultural land values conducted by the Society of Chartered Surveyors Ireland (SCSI) was published earlier this week.

It predicts an increase in land values by an average of 8% this year and an increase of 14% on average in rental values.

The report titled, 'SCSI/Teagasc Agricultural Land Market Review & Outlook Report 2023', analyses the agri sector performance over the past year and projects how it will perform over the next 12 months.

In all 134 agri professionals and valuers were surveyed, who expect the outlook for dairy farmers to ease and a challenging future for sheep and tillage farming.

Rental Land values in Munster increased by an average of 13% in the last year with a 9% increase experienced in Leinster.

The report indicates that the average non-residential farmland prices in 2022 ranged from €5,564 per acre for poor quality land – up five percent from €5,308 in 2021 – to €11,172 per acre for good quality land – up two percent from €10,962 the previous year. Strong demand from dairy farmers for good quality land is driving the market.

The majority of those surveyed believe there is likely to be an increase in demand from dairy farmers to purchase farmland in 2023.

One point to note however, is that changes to the European Nitrates Directive, particularly measures aimed at protecting water quality, may have an impact on land prices, especially rental prices.

In order to maintain current levels of milk production – and to comply with the directive – many dairy farms will need to either increase their land area or reduce milk production.

The Residential Zoned Land Tax (RZLT) is also coming down the line at an alarming rate, farmers have until May 1 to make a written appeal. Under the new legislation farmers owning currently zoned land face an annual tax bill of 3% of the market value of their zoned land.

This will result in countless numbers of landowners facing crippling tax bills from next year on. It is expected that this new tax may bring forward extra land sales later this year before the tax takes hold.

The IFA (Irish Farmers Association) have this week sought a senior counsel review of the legislation governing the Residential Zoned Land Tax.

Related Topics:
Advertisement

News

Jessie Buckley favourite for Best Actress Oscar

Published

6 hours ago

on

22 January 2026

By

Killarney actress Jessie Buckley has officially been nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in the film Hamnet.

The news, which broke at lunchtime on Thursday, has sparked widespread celebrations across the town, with Buckley now considered a strong favourite to secure the win on March 15.

This marks the second Oscar nomination for the star.

She was previously nominated in 2021 for Best Supporting Actress for her role in The Lost Daughter, eventually losing out to Ariana DeBose.

This time, however, industry experts see her as the overwhelming frontrunner to take home the statuette.

In Hamnet, Buckley plays Agnes, the wife of William Shakespeare, starring alongside Paul Mescal.

While the film brought glory to Buckley, there was disappointment for her co-star as the Kildare man narrowly missed out on a nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

The excitement in Killarney was palpable as the nominations were announced live from Hollywood.


A large crowd gathered at the Arbutus Hotel on College Street, owned by Jessie’s Uncle Sean to toast her success.


Radio Kerry broadcast live from the hotel throughout the afternoon, capturing the electric atmosphere as locals celebrated.

Attachments

Continue Reading

News

Healy-Rae launches new podcast

Published

6 hours ago

on

22 January 2026

By

Castleisland-Corca Dhuibhne councillor Jackie Healy-Rae has launched a new podcast focused on Kerry County Council meetings.

Titled The Chamber, the podcast aims to provide listeners with a clear and direct insight into what is happening inside the council chamber, from the councillor’s perspective.

Cllr Healy-Rae said the idea behind the podcast is to explain what is being discussed and decided at council meetings, and what those decisions mean for people on the ground.

While there are more ways than ever for people to get their news and information, Healy Rae said that he felt there was a space for something more direct and accessible.

He explained: “The Chamber is about bringing people inside the council chamber and explaining what’s going on, without jargon or spin.”

Each episode will provide updates from council meetings, outlining key motions, discussions and decisions, and offering a councillor’s perspective on local issues that affect everyday life from infrastructure and services to planning and community matters.

The first episode, focusing on the January full council meeting, is now available, with further episodes planned on a regular basis following council meetings.

The Chamber is available on Spotify and via Cllr Jackie Healy-Rae’s social media channels.

Attachments

Continue Reading