Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 14 December 2023
43. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the research being carried out into possible uses for wool, which at present hardly pays for the shearing costs although it has huge possibilities for a multiplicity of uses because of its natural qualities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [55633/23]
View answerIn November 2021, my Department commissioned a study of the wool sector. Published in July 2022, the report was titled Review off Market Opportunities for Irish-Grown Wool Based Products, or the Wool Feasibility Study for short.
One of the key recommendations of the Wool Feasibility Study was the establishment of an independent, all-island wool council that would be industry-led and comprise multiple stakeholders from the wool sector, including primary producers, farmers and commercial enterprises willing to fund research and marketing activities. In support of this recommendation my Department committed financial assistance of €30,000 towards the initial set-up costs of the council.
On the fifth of April 2023, the Irish Grown Wool Council was established. This is an independent stakeholder-led Council comprising of stakeholders from across the wool sector including primary producers, farming organisations and industry representatives from both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
The Irish Grown Wool Council works closely with the Wool Research and Innovation Hub. The Wool Hub includes researchers from all across the island and is being led by the Circular Bio-economy Cluster Southwest at Munster Technological University (MTU). The aim of the Wool Hub is to support the Irish Grown Wool Council in conducting research and innovation to deliver products to market and aid commercialisation ultimately adding value right across the supply chain from farm to end product.
The deputy can obtain details from the Irish Grown Wool Council directly by contacting irishgrownwoolcouncil@gmail.com.
