Many organizations working in this country’s forestry industry have welcomed the appointment of a new Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM).
Fianna Fáil Limerick TD Niall Collins will fill the vacancy created by the shock resignation, the government announced today. Michael Healy Ray last month.
Forest Industries Ireland, the Ibec group representing the Irish forestry and timber sectors, has welcomed the appointment of Collins as the new Secretary of State responsible for Forestry.
Mark McAuley, Director, Forest Industries Ireland, said: “This is a pivotal time for the forestry sector as we have just designed a new forestry programme.
“The next program will be crucial in rebuilding farmers’ interest in afforestation.
“The challenge for the forestry sector and the new Minister is to rebuild confidence in forests and design an enhanced forestry program capable of increasing afforestation from its current low levels of 2,500 hectares per year.”
McCauley said that if the rate of planting of new forests was not increased, not only would the future of the Irish timber sector be undermined, but Ireland would face increasing fines due to climate change.
“Afforestation plans must be able to compete with other land uses,” McCauley continued.
“There is intense competition for land from other agricultural systems, tax-free land leasing, solar farms, and various CAP (Common Agricultural Policy) schemes.
“We need to make the forestry option simpler and easier to get into, eliminate some of the risk, and provide attractive financial returns.”
Forest industry response
Likewise, the Socio-Economic and Environmental Forestry Association of Ireland (SEEEFA) has welcomed the appointment of Niall Collins as Minister of State for the DAFM.
The role comes at a critical time for Ireland’s forestry sector, with a new forestry program under development and the continued focus required on planting, licensing, farmer confidence, timber supply and rural employment, the organization said.
SEEFA reported that earlier this year, Minister Collins highlighted more than €1 million in annual forest premium payments issued to forest owners in Limerick.
At the time, Collins described the payments as a vital support and encouraged those considering forestry to consult a registered forester or forestry advisor in Teagasc.
This understanding of practical support for forest owners will be essential as Ireland seeks to rebuild confidence in forests, Siva said.
SEEFA Chair, Paddy Broughton, commented: “Forests are vital to Ireland’s rural economy, climate targets, timber supply and biodiversity.
“The period ahead is crucial. A new forestry program is in the pipeline, licensing must continue to improve, and practical policies are needed to restore confidence between farmers and landowners.
“Minister Michael Healy-Rae has strengthened private sector engagement in priority policy and licensing discussions, the mid-term review, and responses to recent challenges. It is essential that we maintain this urgency and commitment.”
Siva said forests must be treated as a national priority, which requires “clear leadership” and close cooperation between the government and the private sector.
It is hoped that an early meeting will be held with Minister Collins to discuss the upcoming forestry program and other forestry issues.
