Here you will find our response to DAERA’s consultation on the first draft Climate Action Plan (closed 8th October 2025).

This response was developed by the Ireland Policy Group.

Key recommendations:

• A stronger commitment to reducing livestock numbers for reducing emissions, with co-benefits for sustainability, emissions, pollution reduction, and soil health.
• A thorough review of Habitats Regulations Assessment, especially in light of impacts from proposed slurry aeration increases due to its methane reduction potential being offset by increased ammonia emissions, which harm peatlands and biodiversity.
• A land carrying capacity be assessed to set sustainable livestock numbers, factoring in soil, hydrology, and breed impacts.
• Welcomes ‘Farming with Nature’ package but calls for clarity on funding and scope; urges realignment of ‘Going for Growth’ agricultural strategy with climate aims.
• Warning against classifying intensive coniferous plantations, especially on peatland, as nature-based solutions (NbS).
• Suggests UK Forestry Standard requirements fall short of international NbS definitions—calls for robust peatland restoration and tree removal from state forest peat soils, with ambitious SMART targets.
• Urges DAERA, as a major landowner, to demonstrate leadership by prioritising the restoration of peatlands and removal of conifers from former peat soils on public land.
• Supports creation of a comprehensive Peatland Asset Register, including all peat soils, not just semi-natural types.
• Immediate actions to address unsustainable stocking rates and to protect soil from compaction and nutrient overload while baselines are being established.
• A revised, ambitious biodiversity target with sufficient resources for delivery.
• Government engage with specialist guidance (CIEEM, NIEL) and best-practice examples.