Leitrim councillors urge opposition to controversial EU-Mercosur trade deal

In early December, negotiations on an agreement between Mercosur and the European Union were finalised.

The agreement, the Mercosur trade deal, would see the integration of the two largest economic blocs in the world.

Mercosur consists of South American countries Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay and Bolivia.

The controversial deal would enable an additional 99,000 tonnes of beef to enter the EU tariff free from Mercosur countries.

The deal has not yet been ratified and many are advocating for its rejection due to the potential threat it poses to Irish agriculture.

Sinn Féin councillor Brendan Barry proposed a motion urging Leitrim County Council to call on the Government to oppose the Mercosur trade deal and lobby other countries to do the same.

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“It’s very disappointing to see that there’s already 200,000 tonnes of beef coming from Mercosur countries into the EU. 

“It’s almost as much beef that Ireland exports into the EU. With an extra almost 100,000 tonnes on top of that it’s going to have a negative impact,” Cllr Barry said.

Cllr Barry said that beef in Ireland is produced carbon-efficiently while also supporting the local economy and communities, and argued it is illogical for the EU to endorse imports from Mercosur countries, where beef production drives deforestation in the Amazon.

“The EU forced the Government here to cut the grants for our older people replacing oil boilers in the interest of climate, while allowing beef to be imported by Mercosur countries. It’s very frustrating,” he added.

Cllr Barry received support from other members and his motion will be distributed to other county councils.

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