Billy Timmins
Question:354. Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine his views on the sale of Coillte harvesting rights (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21569/13]
View answerTuesday, 7 May 2013
Questions (354)
Written answers
Further to the Government’s decision that a concession for the harvesting rights to Coillte’s forests be considered for sale, NewERA, Coillte, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and my Department have worked to examine the financial and other implications of a potential transaction. Substantial work has been undertaken on the identification of the forestry assets involved, the determination of their value and the consideration of a number of issues associated with the proposed sale of the harvesting rights. These include, inter alia , the possible impact on the timber industry, public access to recreational land, environmental and social impacts and consequential implications for the company.
As part of the consideration process, a number of detailed financial, technical and other specialist reports were prepared for Coillte, by external specialist consultancy bodies, in full consultation with the Board of Coillte and its executive management. The reason for such detailed and extensive consideration is that it is essential that any decision is based on the most accurate, comprehensive information possible. As I have said previously, the Government will proceed with caution in relation to this matter and no final decision has been taken, as yet. The outcome of the overall analysis will be considered by the Government upon its conclusion.