28 Ean 2014, 18:21
The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine was this afternoon told of need for upcoming forestry legislation to instill confidence in the industry. The Committee was advised that farmers and foresters needed assurance that the conditions that underpin a return on their long term investment would remain consistent.
28 January 2014
The Committee is undertaking a series of hearings with key stakeholders to inform Committee-stage consideration of the Bill, scheduled for next month.
Representatives from the Environmental Pillar, a coalition of environmental groups, the Irish Farmers' Association and the Irish Timber Growers' Association were addressing the Committee.
Chairman of the Committee Andrew Doyle TD says: “This upcoming legislation is the most important for the forestry sector in many generations, replacing the 1946 Forestry Act. Over a series of hearings, the Committee is providing a forum to air the concerns of stakeholders on the provisions of the legislation as currently drafted. Concerns were expressed this afternoon on the potential for financial losses, should the Minister refuse a felling licence. Given growers don’t make a return on their investment for 40 to 50 years, we take on board the argument of the need for confidence in the industry. The Committee accepts the benefits of solid management plans for each forest area, but notes the danger that overly prescriptive plans might place an unfair burden on owners of smaller areas.
“There is widespread consensus on the need for healthy afforestation rates to ensure an optimum balance of land use in Ireland. Committee was told of that conditions here were more favourable for growing trees compared to other parts of Europe, and of economic, social and environmental benefits that increasing the forested area would bring. The Committee is intent on charting a pragmatic course on all the issues raised during its detailed consideration of the Bill.”
View Committee Membership.
ENDS
For further information please contact:
Paul Hand,
Houses of the Oireachtas,
Communications Unit,
Leinster House,
Dublin 2
P: +353 1 618 4484
M: +353 87 694 9926