Sinn Féin MEP Lynn Boylan has called for the next EU budget to include funds for nature restoration.
The Dublin MEP said “I have asked for specific funds for nature restoration to be included as part of the nature restoration law in the upcoming EU budget.”
She said that specific funding to support biodiversity and nature restoration was a key ask for Sinn Fein on the campaign trail last year.
“These measures are crucial, but without a legal obligation to make sure the money is put in place, then the measures would unfortunately be totally toothless”
“Many Irish farmers will be working hard on nature restoration in the coming years and they must be properly supported with new dedicated funding that doesn’t take away from the CAP funding that many farmers rely on.”
She said that some governments are loathe to spend money on nature restoration, meaning it is up to the EU to “stand up to this short-sightedness and do the right thing.”
“Funding for promoting and protecting biodiversity must be a priority for the EU, to ensure that we meet our climate goals and can deliver a just transition for all,” she said.