Farmers Must Be Supported To Prepare For Ever More Compounding Climate Extremes Says Climate Change Advisory Council.
Council calls for farmers to be supported with land-specific climate information, technology and practical advice to prepare for a changing climate.
The Agriculture sector has not met its commitment to reduce emissions by 10% by 2025, and without a stronger push, will not meet its 2030 commitments.
Just 2,527 hectares of new forest were planted in 2025 against an annual target of 8,000 hectares.
Progress on bio-methane remains far behind the pace required.
Mr Alex White – (Chairperson Climate Change Advisory Council).
Launching the Agriculture and Land Use, Land Use Change and Forestry chapter of its Annual Review 2026 today, the Climate Change Advisory Council said farmers are increasingly having to manage very different risks throughout the year due to extreme conditions including excessive rainfall, heatwaves and drought.
Rather than reacting to individual weather crises as they occur, the Council says farmers should be better equipped to understand the long-term risks facing their land and businesses in a climate that is becoming increasingly extreme. It is calling on the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) to develop and deploy, within 12 months, a practical climate-risk toolkit tailored to individual land parcels.
Alongside better information, farmers need access to practical advice, financial support and viable alternatives to existing practices that are more climate resilient. Restoring soil, water and ecosystem functions can help farms absorb extreme-weather shocks and maintain productivity, while some farmers may choose to adapt existing practices or diversify into new sources of income.
The Review also warns that Ireland’s reliance on imported fruit and vegetables leaves the food system vulnerable to climate-related crop failures elsewhere and supply-chain disruption, and calls for a review of how domestic horticulture could strengthen food security.
Agriculture emissions fell by just 0.2% in 2025 and are now 4.7% below the 2018 baseline – less than half of the 10% reduction commitment from government for 2025. EPA projections indicate that the ‘with additional measures’ scenario would deliver an approximately 19% reduction in Agriculture emissions by 2030, compared with the 25% target. The Council notes that the 25% target remains achievable if additional diversification measures identified in the Climate Action Plan are also fully implemented.
To close this gap, DAFM should develop and begin implementing, a time-bound and properly resourced plan to accelerate emissions-reduction measures on farms, informed by structured dialogue with farmers, rural communities and workers.
The Forestry sector remains a particular concern. Ireland is not close to meeting its annual afforestation target of 8,000 hectares, leaving Ireland substantially off track for 18% forest cover by mid-century and contributing to a weakening forest carbon sink. The next Forestry Programme must address the financial, administrative and practical barriers preventing greater participation.
Significant public funding has been committed to anaerobic digestion under the Biomethane Strategy, but delays to the Renewable Heat Obligation are holding back the market certainty needed to unlock investment and demand. Progressing the obligation is essential if bio-methane is to support farm diversification and energy security.
Mr Alex White, (Chairperson of the Climate Change Advisory Council), said:
“Farmers are increasingly having to manage extremes – this year we have seen too much water at one time of year and too little at another. We cannot keep treating every prolonged wet period or drought as an isolated crisis. Climate change is challenging some of the established practices involved in agriculture and land management. Practical support will be essential, whether that means making land and farms more resilient, adapting existing practices or pursuing viable opportunities for diversification, including forestry, carbon farming and renewable energy. The transition has to be shaped in collaboration with rural communities and farmers, and not simply designed for them. Policy will be more effective if it reflects the practical realities, costs and opportunities on the ground, while delivering the emissions reductions Ireland needs.”
View News from the Climate Change Advisory Council HERE.
Most of Cabragh Road in Thurles was resurfaced over the past week, following the deterioration and collapse of sections of the road surface after water-service works were carried out some years ago.
Much of the new surface appears to have been finished to a good standard. However, several sections near homes and businesses; including the area entrance to O’Meara Oil, now appear to be incomplete and potentially hazardous.
As our photographs show, the newly laid asphalt ends in a rough, abrupt and raised edge beside an uneven pedestrian margin. Anyone walking out from town may suddenly encounter a section where the resurfacing covers only part of the available roadside space.
Pic: G. Willoughby.
This presents particular difficulties for:
► wheelchair and mobility-scooter users; ► parents pushing children in buggies; ► people using walking aids; ► older pedestrians and those with impaired balance; ► cyclists moving close to the road edge; and ► residents entering or leaving adjoining properties.
Small wheelchair castors or buggy wheels could catch against the raised lip or loose stone. A pedestrian attempting to avoid the uneven surface could also be forced closer to moving traffic.
Pic: G. Willoughby.
The unfinished edge may create further problems if it is not corrected promptly. Water could collect along the change in level instead of draining freely, increasing the risk of puddles, splashing and deterioration. Water entering an unsealed pavement edge can weaken it, while passing traffic may loosen the exposed aggregate and cause the asphalt to ravel or break away progressively.
The resulting loose stones could become an additional slipping or skidding hazard. Repeated vehicle loading may also widen the damaged edge, leaving potholes, crumbling margins and an even greater difference in level.
Pic: G. Willoughby.
Serious questions therefore arise: Why were these sections left at a different level? Was pedestrian and wheelchair access assessed before the work was accepted? Were drainage and connections to entrances properly examined? Has the resurfacing received a final inspection? Is the contractor expected to return and complete the margins?
Fresh road markings and a new running surface do not make a project complete if unsafe edges remain beside homes, businesses and pedestrian routes.
These locations should now be inspected urgently by Tipperary County Council, made safe without delay and brought to a properly finished, accessible and well-drained standard. The council provides an official service for reporting damaged roads and footpaths, including an online “Fix-it”facility, [which today same consultation portal, despite every attempt, refused access].
Which begs another question; Where have “Refresh Thurles” members vanished to? Note: Refresh Thurles members have failed to note that those working on this re-surfacing project, forgot to take their litter with them.
The public should not have to wait until somebody falls, a wheelchair becomes trapped or the newly laid surface begins to disintegrate before action is taken.
Stena Line and Irish Ferries are introducing stricter identification requirements for passengers travelling by ferry between the Republic of Ireland and Britain.
From Monday, September 28th, 2026 next, passengers, including children, will need to present a valid passport when checking in for affected sailings. Stena Line says the requirement will apply in both directions on its Dublin–Holyhead route and Rosslare–Fishguard route. No alternative forms of identification will be accepted by Stena Line. The company is contacting customers who already have bookings.
Irish Ferries has similarly announced that all passengers, including Irish and British citizens, travelling between the Republic of Ireland and Britain in either direction must carry a valid passport. Its announcement also advises Irish passengers to check that their passport or Irish passport card is in date. The operators say the change is required to comply with UK Border Force rules concerning the accuracy and integrity of passenger information collected before boarding.
This new passport rule appears to be part of the UK’s move towards a more digital, automated border system, requiring ferry operators to provide accurate, verifiable passenger information before departure. Passports make it easier to confirm travellers’ identities, nationalities and immigration permissions, so the measure is connected to immigration and border security in that operational sense; however, authorities have not linked it to any particular immigration incident or increase in illegal migration. It does not alter the Common Travel Area rights of Irish and British citizens, who remain exempt from visas and the UK’s Electronic Travel
What were the previous rules? Under the Common Travel Area, Irish and British citizens are not generally legally required to present a passport when travelling between the two countries. UK government guidance still says that Irish and British citizens travelling from Ireland to Great Britain may establish their identity and nationality using documentation other than a current passport.
Previously, ferry companies could accept alternative identification from Irish and British passengers. Depending on the operator and passenger’s age, this could include a driving licence or other official photographic ID. Irish Ferries’ earlier guidance also said that British and Irish passengers under 18 without photographic identification could usually travel with a birth certificate.
This new requirement is therefore principally a stricter carrier check-in policy. It does not remove the travel and residency rights enjoyed by Irish and British citizens under the Common Travel Area. Government guidance also makes clear that ferry operators may impose their own documentary requirements.
The change does not affect Stena Line’s services from Belfast to Liverpool, Cairnryan or Heysham. Passengers using other routes or operators should check the identification rules applying to their particular booking before travelling.
Government leaders are considering whether to recall the Dáil ahead of schedule as renewed instability in the Middle East raises concerns about fuel prices.
Temporary excise reductions introduced in April are due to be withdrawn gradually from September. The relief amounts to 32 cent per litre of diesel and 27 cent per litre of petrol and formed part of a €750 million package of business supports and cost-of-living measures.
Enterprise Minister Mr Peter Burke indicated that the timetable is being actively reassessed. The international outlook has worsened since the withdrawal schedule was agreed, with developments around the Strait of Hormuz contributing to uncertainty in global energy markets.
The Dáil is currently scheduled to return on September 16th next,. however, an earlier sitting may be required if the Government decides that legislation is needed to postpone the planned excise increases. Rising costs are already placing additional pressure on agriculture and the wider economy. The net price of marked gas oil, commonly known as green diesel, has increased from about 94 cent to €1.24 per litre, a rise of approximately 30%. Any extension of the fuel-tax relief would also have budgetary implications. The Government is preparing an overall Budget 2027 package worth more than €8 billion, including €1.5 billion for income-tax measures and an anticipated spending increase of around 6%.
Ministers are also examining ways to lower grocery prices by reducing transport, production and distribution costs. Because fuel expenses affect farming, manufacturing and the movement of goods, further increases could feed through to prices paid by consumers.
No final decision has been made on either the excise timetable or an early Dáil recall. Both options remain under consideration as the Government monitors international developments and prices at Irish fuel pumps.
‘Not simply an equality issue’ – Network Ireland seeks Budget 2027 investment in women-led businesses.
Women-led businesses should be given greater priority in Budget 2027, with targeted measures needed to help female entrepreneurs overcome barriers to growth and support Ireland’s wider economic performance, according to Network Ireland.
Ms Karen Ronan(Network Ireland National President)
The organisation, which represents more than 1,400 members through 17 branches nationwide, has called on Government to recognise women-led enterprise as a key driver of productivity, resilience and sustainable economic growth.
In its first national pre-Budget submission, Ireland’s longest-established women-only business network has identified seven priority areas for Budget 2027, including reducing the cost of doing business, improving access to finance for female entrepreneurs, expanding childcare supports, investing in skills and artificial intelligence, strengthening innovation, and addressing housing and infrastructure challenges.
The submission is based on a survey of members which found inflation and rising operating costs remain among the biggest challenges facing businesses. It also highlighted the growing use of artificial intelligence, with almost seven in ten members already using the technology and many expecting to increase their use of the technology in 2027.
Network Ireland National President Ms Karen Ronan said women-led businesses were making a significant contribution to the Irish economy but continued to face barriers that limited their ability to grow.
“Women-led businesses are creating jobs, driving innovation and making a significant contribution to Ireland’s economy. Budget 2027 is an opportunity to remove barriers that continue to limit business growth while unlocking the full potential of female entrepreneurship,” she said. “Investing in women in business is not simply an equality issue; it is an economic one. The right supports will strengthen businesses, increase workforce participation and enhance Ireland’s competitiveness.”
Among its recommendations, Network Ireland is calling for targeted tax measures for SMEs, improved access to finance, increased investment in childcare, and stronger supports for innovation and skills development.
Ms Ronan, who is also CEO of Galway Chamber, said the measures would help create the conditions for more women to start, grow and scale successful businesses.
“Our recommendations are practical and achievable and focused on helping businesses thrive. By investing in female entrepreneurship, childcare, innovation and workforce participation, Government can deliver lasting benefits for businesses, communities and the wider economy,” she said.
Founded in 1983, Network Ireland supports entrepreneurs, SME owners, professionals and business leaders through 17 regional branches and a virtual branch. See www.networkireland.ie.
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