Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 8 May 2001

Vol. 535 No. 4

Written Answers - Timber Industry.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

125 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the countries to which timber or timber products have been exported; the species of timber involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13031/01]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

126 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the use to which trees harvested in the past four years has been put; if these have been absorbed by the building industry, the carpentry and woodwork industry or alternative industries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13032/01]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

127 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources the total acreage and value of trees harvested by Coillte Teoranta and the private sector in each of the past four years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13033/01]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 125 to 127, inclusive, together.

The estimated value of trees harvested and land area of Coillte and non-Coillte forests for the years in question is as follows:

Year	Value(Coillte)	Area (Coillte)Hectares	Value (non-Coillte)	Area(non-Coillte)
1997	£55.5 million	7,916	£2 million	300 hectares
1998	£59.4 million	8,819	£2 million	300 hectares
1999	£61.8 million	8,574	£2 million	300 hectares
2000	£66.5 million	9,038	£3 million	350 hectares

The output of Irish sawmills comprises 50% sawn timber, 30% clean chips, 12% sawdust and 8% bark. This is used as follows:

Sawn timber: Approximately 60% is absorbed by the construction industry; approximately 25% is used for pallet manufacture and garden furniture; approximately 10% for fencing; and the remainder for woodwork, crafts, etc. Clean chips: Used to manufacture board products including oriented strand board and medium density fibreboard. Sawdust: Used as a boiler fuel and in the manufacture of chipboard. Bark: Used as a mulch.

Irish timber has been exported almost exclusively to the United Kingdom where it is used for pallet manufacture, fencing products, decking material and, to a lesser extent, by the construction indus try. The predominant species is sitka spruce, about 75%, with Scots pine making up the bulk of the remainder.

In addition, Irish timber residues and pulp wood are used by Irish board mills who export board products across Europe.

Question No. 128 answered with Question No. 89.