Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Gabhaim buíochas leis an Taoiseach. Has he discussed with the various Departments the proposed nature restoration laws and plans currently being drawn up at EU level? As they currently stand, they are of major concern for many farmers who fear their lands might be flooded and not available for food production. The recent demand for environmental schemes clearly demonstrates the willingness of farmers not just to be part of but very much central to climate actions, where more than 46,000 applicants applied for ACRES, which was well ahead of any targets. The proposed nature restoration laws ask farmers to give up an awful lot and go into an unknown where their farms could be flooded. There are also questions about whether lands would be torn between forestry and rewetting. This is at a time when ambitious targets for afforestation are well behind. Is it realistic that State lands alone could be impacted by rewetting? What of adjoining landowners? Has this been discussed with the various Departments and EU officials? Will the Taoiseach outline the direction on it?

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