Vol. 435 No. 1
7 Mr. T. Foxe asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Forestry if, in view of the proposed increase in afforestation of 30,000 hectares per year up to the year 2000, he will give details of the studies, that have been carried out to ascertain the likely demand for timber or timber products in 30 years time; if studies have been carried out, if he will give predictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The United Nations is the main international organisation involved in the collection and dissemination of statistics in relation to the timber trade. The UN gathers data on trade flows, production and consumption in all regions of the world and also carries out studies on future supply and demand patterns. Forecasts are available embracing the period up to 2010.
The principal market for timber and timber products which will emerge from Ireland's increasing forest estate will be Europe. UN studies predict that the demand for timber and timber products in Europe will rise substantially by the year 2010. Afforestation policies and targets are determined by reference to supply and demand predictions for industrial roundwood. Total demand for industrial roundwood in Europe is expected to almost treble, from 298 million cubic metres in 1991 to 855 million cubic metres in 2010. However, production capacity in Europe is projected to increase at much slower rate — the relevant figures are 1991 production at 284 million cubic metres rising to 469 million cubic metres in 2010. Accordingly, the UN predicts that there will be a growing requirement in Europe for timber products, based on consumption forecasts in the following categories:
|
1991 |
2010% increase |
||
|
Sawnwood |
91 |
255 |
+180 |
|
Wood-based panels |
41 |
117 |
+185 |
|
Pulp for paper |
40 |
88 |
+120 |
|
Paper and paperboard |
66 |
131 |
+98 |
The planting target of 30,000 hectares per annum which has been set by the Government is geared towards taking advantage of the market opportunities predicted. I believe that Ireland, having one of the fastest growth rates for softwoods in Europe, is well placed to take advantage of this growing demand. Our planting programme will provide the raw material resource to manufacture value-added products such as oriented strand board and medium density fibreboard the consumption of which, as I have already indicated is predicted to almost treble within the next 20 years.
Were any of those studies specific to Ireland?
The studies undertaken by the United Nations related to all member countries of the European Community. There was also some recognition of the situation outside the Community.
Was it right to group the countries rather than carrying out a study in Ireland specifically?
The United Nations carried out an analysis of the increase in timber production throughout the Community and outside the Community. I do not have a specific figure for Ireland. However, the figures I have given demonstrate that there are worthwhile long term projected markets for the produce of our timber industry.
In view of the great demand for timber, can the Minister give an estimate of the possible numbers that may be employed in the timber processing industry here when that acreage is harvested?
The purpose of our forest programme is twofold, first, to increase the level of exports and, second, to add the maximum value-added to the produce of our forests. We are doing that through the two processing facilities, one being expanded and the second in the context of the new strandboard mill which will come on stream within the next 18 months approximately. It is estimated that the employment generated as a result of these two facilities, together with the increasing planting programme, will be between 1,600 and 2,000 people over the five years of the development plan which we are announcing. It is difficult to predict the long term increase in employment over the next 20 years. However, if there is increased activity in forest production there should be a corresponding increase in the level of employment.
Can the Minister indicate where the wood processing plant will be located?
Let us proceed to other questions to the same Minister.
