Local authorities urged to consider forestry as part of county plans

LOCAL authorities have been urged by Minister of State Tony Killeen to consider outlets for forestry as part of their county development plans.

He made the plea at the launch of the first Indicative Forestry Statement (IFS) for Ireland.

The statement identifies the areas of the country most suitable for the creation of new woodlands, primarily on the basis of environmental considerations and soil-type and productivity.

Mr Killeen said the statement is the culmination of a major effort by the forest service of his department.

It has created a comprehensive series of maps for every part of the country showing the opportunities and constraints that exist for forestry in those areas.

“The data has been gathered from such diverse sources as the National Parks and Wildlife Service, local authorities and Teagasc.

“It is the first time that this type of information has been brought together in this fashion.

“The IFS will become a key tool in the development of a new strategic approach for forestry at both national and local level,” he said.

Mr Killeen said he hoped the new maps would highlight the real opportunities for forestry that exist in Ireland.

He urged county councils, in particular, to look afresh at development opportunities for forestry as part of their own county development plans.

“Ireland has a real competitive advantage in growing trees and I am convinced that forestry will become a cornerstone of sustainable rural development for the future, as traditional land-use patterns change,” he said.

Forestry is already worth well over €1.5 billion to the economy annually, directly and indirectly generating employment for some 16,000 people.

Analysis carried out as part of the 2005 foresight study suggests there is capacity to increase this to nearly 40,000 by 2025.

The Indicative Forestry Statement can be found on the forest service page of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food website www.agriculture.gov.ie