Tipperary TD Mattie McGrath has slammed the 11 Irish MEPs that voted in support of the EU Nature Restoration law approved in the European Parliament yesterday.
Deputy Mattie McGrath says the eleven Irish MEPs, including all Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, and Green Party MEPs, who voted for what he calls a ”far-reaching law” have effectively undermined the interests of all Irish family farms. Deputy McGrath is concerned about the impact of requirements to rewet lands as part of the EU’s blueprint Green Deal.”
The law mandates stringent restoration measures for drained peatlands on significant percentages of such areas by 2030, 2040, and 2050, which he says poses a significant challenge for Irish farmers.
Deputy McGrath warns that the proposal may have unintended impacts on family farms and food security and says there has not been adequate consultation with farmers about the ramifications of this law, particularly those in regions with extensive wetlands. Agriculture Minister Charlie McConalogue has previously stated that there are adequate state lands to meet Ireland’s commitments under the new law.
Meanwhile Labour European candidate for Ireland South Niamh Hourigan is critical of the EPP group with which Fine Gael is aligned in Europe accusing it of having inconsistent views on climate change. Welcoming the passage of the Nature Restoration Law in the EU Parliament today, Hourigan says decisive and inclusive action on the climate and biodiversity emergencies is required as 81% of Europe’s assessed natural habitats are in poor condition.
