Forest fires damage could reduce raw material for timber processors

THE recent damage to forests from land fires could reduce the raw material available for timber processors in local areas, according to Minister of State Seán Connick.

Speaking during a visit to the Smartply facility, in Belview, Waterford, he urged rural dwellers and visitors to the countryside to act with vigilance in relation to land fires.

His appeal followed a series of forest and bog fires in various parts of the country during the prolonged dry spell.