Sir, - In the recent article by Uinsionn Mac Dubhghall, headed "IFA to make forestry a key issue in pay talks", a number of important issues were raised on the future of Irish forestry. As a woodland owner and timber grower, I have a keen interest in the development of the private forestry sector in Ireland and I would like to respond to a number of issues raised.
Up until the late 1980s most of the afforestation in Ireland was undertaken by the State and funded by taxpayers. From this afforestation programme which began in the 1920s a forest industry has now developed employing an estimated 16,000 people and the contribution of the sawnwood and panel board sub sectors to our economy has been estimated at in excess of £87 million. Indeed, it has been forecast that the forest industry will be larger than the beef industry by 2030 and this forecast was made before the recent problems encountered by the beef sector. When these factors are considered, it is important that a balanced approach is taken to the development of the forest industry.
in recent years, farmers have been undertaking most of the private sector afforestation and this is to be welcomed. However, the focus of some of the farming community, and in particular the IFA, in attacking the State forestry and calling for the withdrawal of all forest premiums from Coillte and non farmers is not constructive to building a stronger forest industry.
it is critical to the future viability of the forest industry that it achieves the scale of planting envisaged in the recent forest strategy adopted by government. It is also important to the commercial dynamics of the sector that a mix of investor types be attracted into forestry. For example, it is vital that the expertise built up by Coillte and the private forestry sector generally is utilised, particularly since the farming community has little such tradition and expertise in forestry. In this regard the work of the Forest Service and the expanding role of Teagasc and forestry consultants in the industry is to be welcomed.
As a woodland owner and chairman of the Irish Timber Growers Association (ITGA), I am proposing a balanced approach to the development of the Irish forest industry. All sectors have a role to play. The further expansion of private forestry and the development of a rural forestry culture will particularly benefit farm forestry owners.
The ITGA is now calling for a national debate on how to develop this forestry culture and encourage better integration of private sector forestry, as has been achieved in the Scandinavian countries. To forward this proposal, a national seminar has been organised with the theme "Farm Forestry - Strategic Implications" which will be held on November 28th at the UCD Industries Hall in Belfield. The ITGA recognises that a balanced approach between private and State sector forestry must be achieved if the full economic potential of our forest industry is to be realised. - Yours, etc.,
Chairman ITGA,
Turrett Farm,
Blarney, Co Cork.