Ammon News - Ireland is considering culling about 200,000 cattle over the next three years in a bid to reach its climate targets and fight global warming, according to an internal memo from the country's agriculture ministry.

Pat McCormack, president of the Irish Dairy Suppliers Association, told the "dpa" German news agency that talks are planned between dairy farmers and government representatives.

He said the Irish government would have to show commitment and provide a budget to fund this. In addition, such a program can only be voluntary, according to McCormack.

A spokeswoman for the Irish Department of Agriculture told the "dpa" that the government would offer farmers voluntary and financially attractive options.

One such target states that emissions from the agricultural sector alone must fall between 4% and 20% by 2030.

Overall, Ireland aims to reduce the country's emissions by 30% compared to 2005 levels.