asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry if, in view of the quantity of mature timber in the north-west area, he will recommend the establishment of a timber processing industry based in the north Mayo area.
Written Answers. - Timber Processing Industry.
82.
Capacity in the sawmilling industry is estimated to be of the order of one million cubic metres per annum and is very much in excess of total national supplies of sawlog which, inclusive of both State and private forestry, is of the order of 650,000 cubic metres per annum. In such circumstances I could not recommend the establishment of any additional timber processing industry for mature timber.
I would, however, be hopeful that supplies of pulpwood thinnings may be sufficient to justify the establishment of another industry in the north-west in the foreseeable future. Needless to say in that connection I shall bear the position of the north Mayo area in mind.