Nora Owen
Question:121 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the reason Coillte is investing in a Northern Ireland sawmill. [14872/97]
Vol. 480 No. 6
121 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the reason Coillte is investing in a Northern Ireland sawmill. [14872/97]
Coillte Teoranta propose to acquire a majority stake in a Northen Ireland sawmill because of its view that such an acquisition is essential for the realisation of its commercial mandate as laid down in the Forestry Act, 1988.
I am at present examining this proposal and have met Coillte Teoranta in the matter. I also intend to meet the Irish Timber Council, which represents the interests of sawmills, in order to hear at first hand its views on the proposal.