Minister for environment, climate and communications Eamon Ryan has said that it is “not necessary” for biogenic methane emissions to reach net zero by 2050.

Biogenic methane is produced from the belching and flatulence of cows and there were fears within the agricultural sector that the new targets set to be introduced late next year could influence herd size.

It is not necessary for biogenic methane emissions to reach net zero, nor would this be an attainable goal

However, Minister Ryan acknowledged in a parliamentary question asked by Deputy Darren O’Rourke that biogenic methane would be treated differently when targets were being considered.

“The Bill provides that any plans or strategies to achieve the carbon budgets and 2050 target will acknowledge the special economic and social role of agriculture and the distinct characteristics of biogenic methane,” Minister Ryan said.

“While, as acknowledged, it is not necessary for biogenic methane emissions to reach net zero, nor would this be an attainable goal, the agricultural sector has an important role to play in reducing emissions as far as is technologically possible, and to contribute to carbon sequestration and fossil fuel displacement.”