Vol. 526 No. 5
20 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources his long-term plans for the development of forestry and the timber industry with a view to maximising import substitution and employment in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26979/00]
My long-term plan, as outlined in the strategic plan for the development of forestry in Ireland "Growing for the Future", is to pro mote, in line with expected wood supply and demand, a range of complementary forest based processing industries as outlets for our timber and non-wood output and to maximise the share of domestic and export markets for Irish timber. I have secured funding of approximately £650 million for the sector under the national development plan which will be used to fund the afforestation programme and the structural development of the sector.
Has the Minister any views on Coillte having a stake in the sawmilling industry?
The Deputy will be aware that Coillte applied some years ago to buy Balcas. There was a discussion within Government and the outcome was that the proposal fell to one side. At present, Coillte is discussing proposals of all descriptions and sawmilling is high on its agenda.
The company is happy with developments in recent times, particularly the magnificent development at Ballon, County Carlow and in County Cork. It is trying to estimate whether the sawmilling capacity in those two areas is sufficient for the rest of the country. However, it has ideas of becoming involved in that industry, although it will not make a decision on that until it knows the capacity of the existing mills.
Written Answers follow Adjournment Debate.
