Progress being made by Coillte
Steady approach needed when deciding on future strategy for our forests
Fine Gael TD for Wicklow, Andrew Doyle, has today (Thursday) welcomed Coillte’s progress in developing a clear and distinct strategy for the future direction of our forests. Deputy Doyle was speaking after Coillte appeared before the Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine this week.
“I was pleased to hear from Coillte about the significant progress it has made in its transformation programme which has seen the company report profit, after tax, in 2011 of €19.9 million, with cost savings of €4.4 million. Coillte’s strategy is to focus on the innovative and sustainable management of natural resources which has seen the company move away from nearly 100 per cent reliance on log sales for the construction industry, to the development of new business lines including wood panels, land management and renewable energy and expansion into new markets in the UK, Europe and the Middle East.
“The decision on June 26th to sell the harvesting rights of Coillte forests for a period of 50 to 80 years, however, has raised some concerns among Committee members. Namely, that Coillte ensures that a comprehensive consultation process is undertaken to ensure that no rash decisions will be made and that the seven core issues* are thoroughly examined to ensure that the State’s forests will continue to be managed in a sustainable manner and in the interest of the people of Ireland.
“It is important that we safeguard the wood biomass energy sector, whose potential to utilise over one million cubic meters of woodchip/pulpwood per annum, would greatly contribute to Ireland meeting its obligation under the EU Renewable Directive of sourcing 40 per cent renewable energy by 2020.
“Coillte and its management are to be commended for their investment in rural recreation, including hiking and mountain bike trails.”