Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 June 2013
36. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine when a decision will be made in relation to the proposal to sell the forest crop of Coillte; the reason for the delay in making the decision despite his previous undertaking to Dáil Éireann on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29345/13]
View answerFurther to the Government 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 examined the financial and other implications of developing the potential of Coillte’s forest assets. This examination included 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 included, inter alia , the possible impact on the timber industry, public access to recreational land and potential impacts, both environmental and social.
The overall analysis on the proposed sale of Coillte harvesting rights was finalised recently, the outcome of which was then considered by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform and myself. I am bringing a Memorandum with recommendations to Government today for consideration.
