asked the Minister for Fisheries and Forestry the tonnage of forest thinnings exported to Northern Ireland in 1982, 1983, 1984 and 1985; and the export value and tonnage sold locally.
Written Answers. - Export of Forest Thinnings.
74.
Statistics relating to trade in timber and timber products are compiled by the Central Statistics Office.
In so far as my Department are concerned the extent to which information is available on the tonnage of thinnings exported to Northern Ireland relates primarily to pulpwood size timber sold from State forests under the tender system to purchasers with addresses in Northern Ireland. The amounts of such timber purchased from State forests by firms with Northern Ireland addresses in the years 1982, 1983, 1984 and up to 30 September 1985, are as follows:— (one cubic metre equals approximately 1 tonne): 1982 — 22,000m³; 1983 — 23,000m³; 1984 — 12,000m³; 1985 — 21,344m³ (to 30 September).
The value of the pulpwood sold ranged from £2 to £3 per m³ standing.
Details of volumes of pulpwood size timber sold locally in County Donegal are not readily available, but I am having the information prepared and will forward it to the Deputy as soon as available.