Gerry Reynolds
Question:18 Mr. G. Reynolds asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources his views on whether forestry is beneficial to the environment; and, if so, the scientific evidence on which his views are based. [5095/98]
Written Answers. - Afforestation Programme.
I am fully satisfied that forestry is beneficial to the environment as it provides a renewable construction material resource and a renewable energy resource; it helps combat global warming by providing a carbon sink — it is estimated that Irish forests remove two million tonnes of carbon from the atmosphere annually; it contributes to clean air; it provides alternative sources of timber. Northern temperate forests take commercial pressure off tropical forests; it reduces run-off and peak flooding compared with agriculture; it stabilises soils vis-a-vis extensive agriculture and it requires lower fertiliser and chemical inputs than agriculture; it contributes to biodiversity and landscape diversity; riparian woodlands are of benefit to fish life; and it provides a source of recreation — up to ten million visits are made to Irish forests each year.
The beneficial effect of forestry is based on a wide range of scientific evidence. The following is a list of recent papers on this topic for the Deputy's information. Many more studies on all aspects of forestry benefits can be found in both the national and international literature, in COFORD research directories and at the universities.