Dooley Slams Proposal To Halve Ireland’s Suckler Cow Numbers

Clare’s Fianna Fáil TD is slamming a proposal to halve the number of suckler cows in Ireland to ensure we reach our climate targets.

A report from the government’s climate watchdog outlines a number of recommendations which it says will be necessary in order to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions.

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The report from the Climate Change Advisory Council states that Ireland remains “completely off course” to achieve its 2020 and 2030 climate change targets.

A target had been set to cut Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions by 20% by 2020, compared to 2005 levels.

With particular focus on the agriculture sector, it has outlined three suggested measures for the Government to take to ensure a reduction in the Irish herd by up to 50% over the next decade.

But the Cratloe-based Generel Secretary of the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers Association Eddie Punch feels they’re being unfairly targeted.

Clare’s Fianna Fáil TD Timmy Dooley has welcomed the report, saying it highlights the scale of government inaction on the climate crisis.

He’s now calling on Minister Richard Bruton to respond to each specific recommendation within the report.

However, Deputy Dooley, who’s his party’s Environment Spokesperson, feels the call to cull Ireland’s cattle numbers by half is a step too far.