The Rural Independent Group of TDs says it has serious concerns about the Irish government’s unwavering support for the EU Nature Restoration Law, following a vote in favour of the law at yesterday’s meeting of the EU Environment Council in Luxembourg.
The law, if implemented, includes legally binding targets that the Rural Independents claim will have detrimental impacts on farmlands and the livelihoods of Irish farmers.
Group Leader Deputy Mattie McGrath says “The version of the Nature Restoration Law approved yesterday by the Council sets stringent and unrealistic targets for Ireland, requiring the rewetting of at least 24,968 hectares by 2030, followed by 66,580 hectares by 2040, and an astonishing 83,225 hectares by 2050.” The Tipperary TD is concerned that the targets will be legally binding and questions the government position that participation will be voluntary for farmers. Minster Eamon Ryan is seeking a payment scheme for farmers that participate.
Deputy McGrath has concerns about food production in Ireland and accuses the government of wanting to be the “greenest boys in the class” when other nations have expressed reservations about the feasibility and achievability of the law’s targets.. The proposed law is to be voted on by the EU Parliament Environment Committee on June 27th and the full EU parliament in July.
