The Irish Natura and Hill Farmers' Association (INHFA) has expressed concern regarding the funding of Ireland's National Restoration Plan as part of the obligations under the Nature Restoration Law (NRL).

The association said its concern has been heightened following the recent announcement by Minister for Transport and Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, Darragh O'Brien, to use funding from the Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund for the proposed metro link to Dublin Airport.

President of INHFA, Vincent Roddy has challenged the public representatives who he said championed the implementation of the NRL “to now show us where the money to support farmers is going to come from”.

He added: “Through the development of the NRL we saw massive support in Dáil Éireann and from many of our MEPs. However, when questioned about the funding of the law, (despite a high level of uncertainty) many were adamant that funding would be there, often pointing to the Infrastructure, Climate and Nature Fund as a possible source.

"Unfortunately, as this law continues to be developed, we are looking at a very ambitious plan that will impose massive demands on farmers, but no guarantee on funding, or in simpler terms a Rolls Royce plan with a Lada budget," Roddy added.

The INHFA has said that if the government needs to clarify exactly what funding is available for nature restoration and until this is clarified, any plans regarding the Nature Restoration Plan should be paused.

"In 1997 we saw the introduction of land designations. These crucified landowners and farmers through unreasonable restrictions that failed not only the farmers but also in the ambition to protect the various habitats," Roddy added.

"This must not happen again and we are now calling on the government and all those that backed the NRL to deliver on your promises and a budget.”

The public is being encouraged to engage with the development of Ireland's Nature Restoration Plan.

The plan will set out national restoration needs and measures under the Nature Restoration Law and is due to be submitted to the European Commission by September 1, 2026.

Following the adoption of the law in Europe in August 2024, all member states must produce their own plan to show how they will achieve the targets set out in the regulation.

A new website, RestoreNature.ie, has been launched by Minister of State with responsibility for biodiversity, Christopher O’Sullivan, aiming to act as a portal for public engagement with the development of the plan.