Central to Ireland's climate ambitions is the protection of farm incomes, Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue has said.

The comments came during a meeting between Minister McConalogue and Minister of State Pippa Hackett and European Commission vice president Frans Timmermans.

The meeting was convened to discuss issues related to climate change and biodiversity.

Alignment

Minister McConalogue said: “The Green Deal objective to make Europe the first climate neutral continent by 2050 aligns well in particular with our agriculture sector climate and air roadmap, Ag Climatise.

McConalogue added that the Green Deal will play a central role in developing Ireland's CAP strategic plan.

“Commissioner Timmermans and ourselves are clear on how we must work together to ensure alignment between EU and national policy on these very important questions,” added McConalogue.

Right tree

Forestry and its role in climate change mitigation was also discussed.

Minister Hackett said: “Increasing the levels of afforestation will play a significant role in meeting our climate change targets. However, we must ensure that the right tree, in the right place, for the right reason, is our way forward.

“Project Woodland, which was launched last week, will play a major role in ensuring our areas of woodland increase sustainably in the future.”

The Ministers gave a commitment to continue dialogue with the European Commission as Ireland develops its CAP Strategic plan and National Forestry Programme.