Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 17 Oct 2000

Vol. 524 No. 2

Written Answers. - Afforestation Programme.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

163 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the acreage and tonnage of trees harvested in public and private forests in each of the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22308/00]

Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. Fahey):

The information requested by the Deputy is as follows:

Year	Hectares (clearfell)	Cubic Metres (millions)(clearfell and thinnings)
1997	7,500	2.22
1998	8,350	2.55
1999	8,500	2.71

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

164 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources if, having regard to the trends to date, an adequate supply of trees is available from public and private forests to meet future demands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22309/00]

Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. Fahey):

From discussions with the sector, I understand increased timber production from public forests of some 7% in the short to medium term will ensure that demand for raw material from the forest industry sector will be met. Timber supply from privately owned forests will increase significantly in the longer term and together with projected increases from public forests, supply of and demand for logs should be at equilibrium.

Timber Production Forecast 2000-2015

Year	Public '000 m3	Private '000 m3	Total '000 m3
2000	2,979	259	3,238
2001	2,987	259	3,246
2002	3,083	259	3,342
2003	3,117	269	3,386
2004	3,118	261	3,379
2005	3,131	268	3,399
2006	3,181	288	3,469
2007	3,200	366	3,566
2008	3,200	390	3,590
2009	3,200	460	3,660
2010	3,200	650	3,850
2011	3,220	646	3,866
2012	3,240	812	4,052
2013	3,260	761	4,021
2014	3,280	836	4,116
2015	3,300	1,176	4,476

Source: Coillte Teoranta, COFORD

Demand for logs by the Forest Industry Sector

Following consultation with the Irish Timber Council, Donal Magner, and Coillte, John McLoughlin Marketing, there is currently an adequate supply of logs to the industry, which is expected to continue into the future. Even with increased investment in new machinery by the sawmilling subsector the question appears to be whether the industry has the capacity to process the increased volumes of timber that will be coming on stream. There is also a question mark over whether the sawmills can market the increased production of sawnwood, if they can process the increased supply of logs.