Reacting to this week’s European Council conclusions on 2030 climate policy, IBEC, the group that represents Irish business, today welcomed the commitment that agricultural emissions can be offset through afforestation after 2020. IBEC however highlighted the need for early clarity on the rules that will apply to this.

Acknowledging the success of the Irish negotiating team, IBEC Head of Infrastructure, Energy and Environment Dr Neil Walker said: “The new deal marks an important milestone, but is just the beginning of 12 months of tough, detailed negotiations on how individual Member State targets will be implemented.

“Ireland looks set to have very ambitious carbon reduction targets over the coming years, regardless of whether a global deal is agreed at next year’s UN climate summit. This will undoubtedly present many challenges. It is important that the EU’s approach is flexible, fair and proportionate, so competitiveness and jobs are not adversely affected.”