Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 February 2013
200. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has concerns that the plans to sell Coillte's harvesting rights, to private commercial interests, will lead to the imposition of restrictions on access to forests on the part of the private owners, and in view of the fact that the open access policy operated under Coillte's management may conflict with their aim of maximising return on investment. [6285/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraFurther to the Government decision that a concession for the harvesting rights to Coillte’s forests be considered for sale, NewERA have been actively engaged in recent months with Coillte, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and my Department to examine the financial and other implications of developing the potential of Coillte’s forest assets.
The process is at an advanced stage and, aside from the identification and valuation of the forestry assets, a number of issues have been identified in relation to the possible harvesting rights concession. Public access to recreational land is one of the issues so identified. I am aware that Coillte provide a range of recreational opportunities for the general public continuing the long tradition of open access to the State owned forests and land. All of the issues, and the measures, if necessary, to address them, require detailed consideration. The outcome of the overall analysis will be considered by the Government upon its conclusion and no decision has been taken, as yet.
