The government has come under criticism for failing to support a motion demanding the end to the deal between Coillte and British investment fund Gresham House.

Sinn Féin MEP Chris MacManus addressed European parliamentarians, criticising the deal as one which "only lines the pockets of corporations with no regard for Ireland's resources or citizens".

During his remarks, the Sinn Féin representative also told EU leaders that the Irish government is failing rural Ireland, forestry and biodiversity.

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MacManus said: "The use of our natural assets in a deal with foreign investment funds adds insult to injury. Again another example of an Irish government standing idly by as cuckoo, vulture and investment funds profit off the backs of Irish workers and families.

"This deal won't benefit the environment. It won't help Ireland reach our climate goals. This deal only lines the pockets of corporations with no regards for our resources or citizens.

"As shareholders on behalf of the Irish people, I am calling on the Irish government to abandon this deal which flies in the face of real and meaningful climate action.

"If the Irish government fails on this they fail rural Ireland, they fail forestry and will fail biodiversity.

"The Irish public, farmers and environmentalists alike are united in their indignation.

"The deal between Coillte and this British investment fund must be halted."