Waterford estate confirms talks ongoing with sheep farmers caught in rent dispute against Duke of Devonshire
Waterford Sinn Féin TD Conor McGuinness pictured with the affected farmers
The Lismore Estate have confirmed that talks are ongoing with 16 Waterford sheep farmers in relation to an extensive rent dispute.
Interim commonage letters will be issued that will allow farmers to access support payments from the Department of Agriculture.
The dispute began in mid-March when the Lismore Estate- the manager of Lismore Castle and its 8,000 acres of surrounding land on behalf of Peregrine Cavendish, Duke of Devonshire, and his son William, Earl of Burlington- informed leasing sheep farmers rent would be increasing.
Farmers were due to have their rent increase by 900% by 2029, at a price of €50 a hectare.
Tensions escalated in April as protestors occupied a London bookshop owned by the Duke of Devonshire.
Speaking in the Dáil this week, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture Timmy Dooley said he would meet with the affected farmers.
“These farmers have been under severe pressure, facing the combined impact of excessive rent demands and the withholding of vital payments,” said Waterford Sinn Féin TD Conor McGuinness.
“Unlocking those payments is a necessary step and one that should not have taken this long.
“This dispute must now move towards a fair and sustainable resolution for the 16 farmers involved.
“They are generational hill farmers who have worked this land for decades and they must be supported to remain on it.
“Progress has been made, but there is more to do to ensure that the outcome is fair and protects the future of hill farming in the Knockmealdowns.”
