The party welcomed the news that the NRL survived an outright attempt to reject the bill at the Environment Council of the EU Parliament, but has expressed deep concerns that the law may not yet reach the Plenary stage.
The NRL is a vital new bill that proposes to enshrine the restoration of nature into EU legislation and bring degraded ecosystems across Europe back into good health.
MEPs chose to vote on almost 2,000 amendments individually. Time ran out and the crucial vote that would see the proposal move to the next step in the EU Parliament had to be postponed until 27 June, leaving even less time for discussion and debate at Plenary level, making collaboration on further late-stage amendments more challenging and raising the stakes even higher.
Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan TD, who has responsibility for the new regulation, said: "The Nature Restoration Law is not yet dead but it is badly damaged, much like nature itself across Europe. Like everyone who cares about nature, I'm relieved that it is still alive in the European Parliament but I am deeply worried for the next steps. This regulation is absolutely vital in ensuring nature in Europe is in good enough condition to continue to feed, water and house us, and protect from the impacts of climate change. It’s not just about beautiful corncrakes and ospreys and basking sharks, it’s about the fundamental ecosystem services that humanity and the economy depend on.
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"Big businesses like Nestle, Coca Cola and Iberdrola recognise this, as do the thousands of scientists who have called for a strong Nature Restoration Law. But most importantly citizens want it, and that’s why we won't give up the fight."
Sinn Féin MEP Chris MacManus said: "In my opinion, this rejection amendment from Fine Gael’s group was unhelpful and went against the spirit of constructive negotiation that had ensured a balanced ENVI resolution that addressed many concerns from rural stakeholders. I'm also baffled as to why they voted against funding for farmers.
"Negotiation walk-outs and unrelenting refusal of even the most rural proofed compromises is certainly not the way forward. We're here to get work done, represent our constituents and find workable solutions where possible."
The Nature Restoration Law aims to set legally-binding targets for Ireland, and countries all across the European Union, to restore wetlands, rivers, forests, urban and marine ecosystems, as well as a range of protected birds, plants and mammals.
