EU denies Irish ‘cow tax’ rumours

Dublin-based EU officials have denied suggestions that the European Commission is considering a ‘cow tax’ in Ireland.

Only national governments have the power to decide strategies for reducing emissions, the EU office in Dublin said.

Livestock emissions, caused by flatulence and burping, contribute around 18% of the world’s greenhouse gas.

A cow produces 4 tonnes of methane every year, compared to 2.7 tonnes of carbon dioxide emitted annually by an average car.

According to scientific estimates, methane is over 20 times more potent than carbon dioxide at causing global warming.

However, Martin Territt, director of the EU’s Dublin office, said there has been no suggestion of a tax on cows in Ireland or anywhere else.

“To suggest otherwise is to deliberately mislead the public,” Territt said.

“Let me repeat, this story is unfounded and untrue.

“Only member-state governments have competence to develop their own national strategies on reducing emissions – not Brussels.”

However, Territt admitted that European farmers will be encouraged to reduce emissions from livestock by turning it into biogas.

“The promotion of renewable energy and biogas in particular will be key in reducing emissions from livestock,” he said.