Tipperary TD and Chair of the Oireachtas Agriculture Committee, Jackie Cahill is welcoming the decision by Cabinet not to enforce a mandatory cut of the national herd as part of the emissions reduction targets for the agricultural sector.
The sector has been set a target of a 25% reduction in emissions by 2030.
Deputy Cahill says the voluntary nature of any livestock reductions will benefit family farms and committed to supporting policies that are both economically and environmentally sustainable for rural Ireland.
He called for investment to assist farmers to meet the 25% reduction target.
Noting that transport, which has to reduce emissions by 50% and electricity, which has to reduce emissions by 75% will also face challenges.
Deputy Cahill wants action in the budget to promote and enable anaerobic digesters, solar panels on farm buildings and solar farms to help reduce dependency on fossil fuels.
In addition he cited opportunities in the use of feed additives, slurry treatment and the production of organic fertilisers as pathways to emissions reductions.
