An environmental umbrella group, composed mainly of the same environmental organisations who pulled out of the 2030 Agri-Food strategy committee in February, received a €704,000 boost in funding for 2021.

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications Eamon Ryan announced the significant funding of €1,764,000 for the Irish Environmental Network and its members in January.

Announcing the funding Minister Ryan said: “I am pleased to be able to deliver this substantial increase in their financial supports so that they can continue to build on their great work.

“I do this in recognition of the significant contribution they continue to make to Irelands fight against climate change.”

Environmental Pillar coordinator on the 2030 Agri-Food strategy committee, Karen Ciesielski, wrote to An Taoiseach Michéal Martin in February to confirm its withdrawal from the 2030 Agri-Food strategy, saying it was not something its members could stand over or support.

The Irish Environmental Network is made up of 31 environmental members, while the Environmental Pillar has 28.

The two groups share the following 25 NGOs as common members; An Taisce, Bat Conservation Ireland, BirdWatch Ireland, Celt (Centre for Environmental Living and Training), Coomhola Salmon Trust, Eco-Unesco, Feasta, Forest Friends, Friends of the Earth, Global Action Plan, Gluaiseacht, Good Energies Alliance Ireland, Green Economy Foundation, Green Foundation Ireland, Hedge Laying Association of Ireland, Irish Peatlands Conservation Council, Irish Seed Savers Association, Irish Whale & Dolphin Group, Irish Wildlife Trust, Native Woodland Trust, Rediscovery Centre, Sustainable Ireland (Cultivate), The Organic Centre, Voice and Zero Waste Alliance.