Denis Foley
Question:91 Mr. Foley asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if he will give details of his development programme for forestry for 1995; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2885/95]
Written Answers. - Forestry Development Programme.
I see 1995 as being a very significant year for Irish forestry. The key developments will include the following.
A strategic plan for the development of the forestry sector to the year 2015 is being developed by my Department and will address the integrated development of the entire sector, from forest nurseries, through growing and processing, to timber end uses and wood-crafts. This will be the first plan of its type in Ireland and will set the framework for the development of our forestry sector for decades to come. I expect to publish the plan by the summer.
This year increases in planting, timber production and timber processing are planned, with consequential additional employment being generated in rural areas. A significant increase in the overall level of planting on the 1994 figure of 23,000 hectares is expected.
On the timber production side about 2 million cubic metres was produced in 1994. This year I expect to see a further increase in output from our forests and my Department will continue to assist in the development of an efficient and cost effective harvesting capability. The market for such production will be improved by the planned expansion in the timber processing sector. A total of 500 new jobs will be provided by the new oriented strand board project in Waterford. This OSB facility will commence production in September next.
The construction of the Masonite plant in Carrick-on-Shannon, which I announced last December, will commence later this year. An average of 300 jobs will be provided over the anticipated 18 month construction period. About 330 people will be employed when the plant is in full production and an additional 100 jobs will be generated in associated activities.
I will also be encouraging the increased involvement of farmers in forestry this year. More and more farmers are becoming aware of the benefits of forestry as an income and asset option and as an alternative productive use of agricultural land. This is evidenced by the fact that farmers now account for almost 80 per cent of all planting on privately owned land. The very attractive planting grants and premiums will continue to be available to farmers in 1995.