Energy potential of forestry highlighted

THE country’s timber resource has significant energy potential, a conference in Longford was told yesterday.

Forestry Minister Mary Wallace said early thinning from well-managed forests will make available to the marketplace a large level of product for energy generation.

New markets are opening up for wood energy and non-wood products, she told the IFA farm forestry conference.

Ms Wallace said attractive grants are available for the installation of wood-fired boilers.

“By further developing the wood supply chain to meet market demand, increased benefits in regard to rural development will accrue,” she said.

Ms Wallace said forestry already has a significant place within the Irish economy. Recent research suggested a total annual contribution to the economy of over €1.6 billion.

“Ireland’s rural economy benefits greatly from the 16,000 direct and indirect jobs currently supported by the sector,” she said.

IFA president Padraig Walshe said it is essential that forestry reaches its full potential as a renewable natural building material and in displacing imported fossil fuels.

Dr Eugene Hendrick, National Council for Forest Research and Development, said the planting programme would have to continue at a rate of at least 14,000 ha per annum for the next two decades if national policy goals in timber production, climate change and renewable energy are to be realised.