Forestry adds €1.65bn to Irish economy

THE forestry and wood products sector contribute more than €1.65 billion annually to the economy.

Forestry Minister Mary Wallace said: “While this is a considerable contribution, the other benefits of forestry including recreation, carbon sequestration and energy, are non timber-benefits that are of major additional value.”

Ms Wallace said that the price of timber had increased by 20% to 25% in the past 18 months. As demand rises for this renewable product, so must the returns to the producers, she said.