Economist Jim Power has warned that unless policymakers decide to support suckler beef production, the west of Ireland could revert to an economic and environmental wilderness.

Power’s IFA-commissioned report highlighted the importance of suckler beef production in the border and western counties, where beef cows account for almost 80% of the total cow herd.

The reality is that if we want to keep economic activity in rural Ireland, particularly in the west, northwest and midlands region, we need suckler cows and a beef sector

The economist warned that the landscape in the west of Ireland would be dominated by “forestry, wind farms and grass growing over the ditch” if the suckler herd was not supported by targeted payments.

Commenting on Power’s findings, IFA president Tim Cullinan said: “The reality is that if we want to keep economic activity in rural Ireland, particularly in the west, northwest and midlands region, we need suckler cows and a beef sector.”

Power repeatedly emphasised that strong targeted payments are justified because the suckler herd is a key driver of economic and social stability in regions where land is not suitable for dairying.