The deal will see carbon emissions from the Agri sector reduced by 25%
(Source: www.geograph.ie)The Irish Farmers' Association say the emissions deal reached yesterday between the Government parties has the potential to wipe out certain communities around the Country.
The deal will see carbon emissions from the Agri sector reduced by 25% bringing the total reduction to 51% by the end of the decade.
Electricity emissions will also have to be reduced by 75% over the next eight years.
Tim Cullinan of the Irish Farmers' Association, says the reduction in revenues in certain communities will be devastating:
"At 25% would have the potential of maybe 2 billion per year and maybe the potential loss of 25-30 thousand jobs, so this is massive.
One thing that needs to be remembered is there's 30 billion a year of exports from local indigenous industry and agriculture is almost half of that."
Phelim O'Neill of the Irish Farmers Journal says the potential hit to the Irish economy each year is around 2.5 billion Euro.
He says despite criticism towards the farming community, cattle owners don't have the same options as other sectors.
"Some people would suggest well agriculture is getting away lightly whereas we would highlight the fact that you have the option in transport if you want to switch to an electric car you can with zero emissions. You cannot unfortunately create a zero emissions cow. "
The emissions deal has also been strongly criticised by the group representing rural independent TDs.
Mattie McGrath from Tipperary says the Green Party has too much influence in this Government.
As for Fianna Fail and Fine Gael, he says they don't give a hoot about rural Ireland.
