Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 February 2013
142. Deputy Joe Higgins asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine in view of the jobs per acre potential in forestry, the reason for the lack of investment in this sector in view of the stated commitment to job creation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6958/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI fully recognise the potential of forestry and the contribution that it makes to both employment creation and maintenance, particularly in rural areas. Most recent figures show that almost 12,000 people are employed in the forestry and forest products sector in Ireland. In economic terms, it is valued at over €2 billion annually to the Irish economy.
During the period 2009 – 2012 my Department invested almost €0.5 billion in its afforestation programme and related measures. This has led to the establishment of close to 30,000 hectares of new forests during this reference period. This year a further €112 million has been set aside for forestry to plant up to 7,000 hectares and it is my intention is to continue to invest in this sector.
