Fine Gael TD Simon Coveney has claimed that the Government’s plan to implement EU nitrates directives will have a catastrophic effect on farming in Ireland.
The plan, which is due to be submitted to the European Commission in June, is designed to reduce the amount of nitrate fertilisers that farmers can spread on their land.
Such fertilisers are responsible for much pollution in Ireland.
However, Mr Coveney said: "The action plan for nitrates that the Government have put together is something that is going to make commercial intensive farming in Ireland almost impossible.
"It’s going to force farmers to reduce their stocking rates and to actually sell stock."
The Irish Farmers Association is due to outline its response to the plan later today.