Teagasc is inviting farm families to attend 11 countrywide clinics on transferring the family farm, which start in Co Cavan on Tuesday 9 September.

Advice will be available from Teagasc specialists in education, collaborative farming and finance, as well as from accountants/tax advisers, solicitors, succession mediators, social welfare advisers and the citizens information service.

Those attending will have an opportunity to have private consultations with the professionals. “The majority of farm families do not plan adequately for succession,” said Teagasc finance specialist James McDonnell. “At these clinics, you will gain an insight, not only into the legal, social welfare, and tax implications, but also into the best way to go about having the conversation in the family setting.

“Family involvement in planning for succession is essential,” McDonnell said. “A key aim must be to have an open conversation with the people involved so that misunderstandings can be avoided.

‘‘It is important to make preparations early so that potential problems can be assessed and avoided before they arise,” he said.

The dates and venues for the clinics will be:

  • 9 September: Errigan Country House Hotel, Cootehill.
  • 11 September: Ballygarry House Hotel, Tralee.
  • 12 September: The Ardboyne, Navan.
  • 18 September: West County Hotel, Ennis.
  • 30 September: Park Hotel, Dungarvan.
  • 1 October: Mallow GAA Grounds.
  • 3 October: Parkway Hotel, Dunmanway.
  • 6 October: Hotel Minella, Clonmel.
  • 7 October: Breaffy House Hotel, Castlebar.
  • 8 October: Great Northern Hotel, Bundoran.
  • 14 October: The Abbey Hotel, Roscommon.

    • Pre-booking is essential. See www.teagasc.ie/events.