Concerns are being raised about how farmers will be compensated under the EU's Nature Restoration Law. 

The Government now has a target of rewilding 20% of Irish land and sea by 2030. 

Sinn Féin TD and Agriculture Spokesperson Claire Kerrane said it is imperative farmers are closely involved in the process. 

“There is a climate fund there but we need to see how much of that is going to be earmarked for farmers that will engage in nature restoration,” she said. 

“We need to see now, right now, collaboration, we need to see consultation and we need to get the farmer organisations around the table and [see] how farmers are supported financially, so that they buy in in order to do this.” 

'Still flawed'

Yesterday, MEPs voted in favour of the Nature Restoration Law and it is widely expected it will be signed off by EU Ministers at a later date. 

EU Governments now have two years to put in place implementation plans, with an estimated 80% of European habitat considered in poor health. 

Pine Marten in the wild.

In a statement, the Irish Farmers’ Association said it still had “fundamental concerns” about the legislation. 

“Even though legitimate farmer concerns have not been adequately addressed, the EU has pushed ahead with the introduction of the NRL,” IFA President Francie Gorman said. 

"This will not reassure farmers about the impact of the NRL. 

“Farmers are doing more to support nature than any other sector of society; 12-14% of the space on our farms is ‘space for nature’. While there have been some important changes to the Commission version of the NRL, the law is still flawed.”

Minister of State with Responsibility for Nature Malcolm Noonan has said funding will be decided over the next two years.

Main image: A golden eagle taking off.