The Lie of the Land

Shortlisted for Non-Fiction Book of The Year, Irish Book Awards 2025

'An outstanding work' Michael D. Higgins

'Explosive' Irish Times

'An honest, uncompromising book that pulls no punches in identifying the powerful interests that are stymieing Ireland’s transition to a more equitable low carbon future for all. Essential reading for the public and policymakers alike.' Mary Robinson

‘A profoundly important and extremely well written and presented book’ Seán Ronayne

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A passionate case for reimagining Irish farming and agriculture in the age of climate change, from a respected environmental journalist.

The effects of climate change in Ireland will be profound, and at the moment we’re not doing nearly enough about it. That’s the bad news. The good news is that Ireland has the wherewithal to dramatically cut its emissions while making itself far more resilient. This book shows how it can be done.

The Lie of the Land is a devastating dissection of the wishful thinking and outright dishonesty that have propped up the status quo in Irish agribusiness. It also offers an inspiring vision of how – through a revolution in farming, development of renewable energy and a dramatic acceleration of moves to decarbonize transport and housing – we can prepare for the new realities of the climate crisis.

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'Gripping, urgent ... offering a compelling, hopeful vision of a viable future. Crucial reading.’ Eoghan Daltun

‘Well-argued and well-written’ Matt Cooper

'A bracing critique' The Currency

‘An education for anyone baffled by the rows that bedevil climate policy in Ireland and a glimpse at the alternatives to the business - as - usual approach. But mostly, it's a plea for honesty around topics when hiding from the truth has for too long been the national approach.’ Irish Independent

‘Compelling and impassioned … eye opening’ Sunday Independent

‘Read this exposé of malicious planetary negligence and be inspired to act before it’s too late’ Michael Mann

‘Offers some clear ideas for an Irish path into a safer future – the time for climate complacency has come and gone’ Bill McKibben

‘An important book with many insightful and ever more relevant perspectives. I learned a lot from it’ Diarmaid Ferriterread more...