asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry the projected output from (a) State forests and plantations, and (b) private forests and plantations, of (i) pulpwood, and (ii) sawlog, in 1980, 1985, 1990, and 1995.
Written Answers. - State Forests.
332.
The projected output from State forests for the years mentioned by the Deputy are in the form of a tabular statement which, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to circulate with the Official Report.
Projected produce from State forests
|
Year |
(a) Pulpwood |
(b) Sawlog (including boxwood) |
|
'000 cubic metres |
'000 cubic metres |
|
|
1980 |
310 |
370 |
|
1985 |
520 |
560 |
|
1990 |
690 |
930 |
|
1995 |
830 |
1,250 |
Projected output from private forests is unlikely to change significantly in the period covered by the Deputy's enquiry.
It is estimated that about 70,000 cubic metres annually of material could be produced from conifer crops. Of this up to 19,000 cubic metres might be utilised as pulpwood and the balance as sawlog.
In addition broadleaved crops are expected to produce about 12,000 cubic metres of timber and 16,000 metric tonnes of lower grade material which might be utilised as firewood.
333.
andMr. Bermingham asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry if any further detailed consideration has been given to the setting up of a State-sponsored timber processing plant to process in the short and long term, the products of Irish forests, in the national interest.
The Industrial Develop-ment Authority in consultation with my Department are at present engaged in a sectoral study of the timber industry. It would be desirable to await the outcome of the study before reaching decisions on the future processing plants which may be required to utilise our increasing wood resources.