Bernard J. Durkan
Question:53 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the extent to which supplies of native hardwoods meet requirements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3473/01]
Written Answers. - Afforestation Programme.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:54 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the total tonnage and variety of timber harvested in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3474/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 53 and 54 together.
The following is an estimate of the volume of cubic metres and variety of wood harvested in each of the past five years:
|
Species |
1996(m*3) |
1997(m*3) |
1998(m*3) |
1999(m*3) |
2000(m*3) |
|
Broadleaf |
5,200 |
3,200 |
3,000 |
3,800 |
4,000 |
|
Conifers |
2,207,000 |
2,080,000 |
2,390,000 |
2,546,000 |
2,785,000 |
|
Total |
2,212,200 |
2,083,200 |
2,393,000 |
2,549,800 |
2,789,000 |
The current supply of hardwoods, which is now running at about 15,000 cubic metres per annum, is mainly used in the crafts and small niche areas such as hurley and furniture manufacturing.
As matters stand, imports of hardwood remain high. However, since the mid-1990s broadleaf planting has increased to approximately 20% of overall planting and, taking account of the long production cycle for hardwoods, a steady supply of native hardwoods will come on stream in the second half of the present century. By the end of the period covered by the National Development Plan 2000-2006 it is planned to increase broadleaf planting to 30% of overall planting.
Question No. 54 answered with No. 53.
Question No. 55 answered with No. 27.