A group of farmers are mounting an arbitration case against Coillte as part of a year-long dispute over forestry it manages on their land.

The 23 farmers will allege breaches of contract over management issues, lack of clarity over annuity payments, as well as “inducement to enter into the farm partnerships”, their solicitor Georgina Robinson told the Irish Farmers Journal.

Coillte’s strategy and business development director Bill Stanley declined to comment on the litigation, but insisted that the management of farm partnerships and communication with farmers under contract had improved significantly since an Oireachtas hearing exposed dissatisfaction early last year.

“Our database is up to date, all payments are on track to be processed,” said Stanley.

There are nearly 700 farmers in partnership contracts with Coillte nationwide.

In an unrelated development, Coillte has announced that its chief executive Fergal Leamy will step down in June.

Listen: Disgruntled farmers call for mediation in Coillte contracts

How much does a farmer make out of a Coillte farm partnership?

Farmers sue Coillte over forestry contracts

Over 20 farmers under contracts with the state forestry company to manage plantations on their land are taking legal action, their solicitor has said.