FG claims Government can’t meet spending commitments on forestry

THE Government has been accused by Fine Gael of sending mixed messages on forestry.

Fine Gael spokesperson on agriculture, fisheries and food, Andrew Doyle, said the Government is claiming it is committed to increasing the level of new forest planting.

But at the same time it is slashing capital funding so that there will be virtually no funding for new developments.

“The Government’s review of capital spending contradicts its stated commitment to forestry,” said Mr Doyle.

“Annual capital spending of between €84 million and €89m between 2011 and 2016 will mean there are virtually no funds for new development.

“How on earth can the Programme for Government commitment to increase the level of new forest planting to 10,000 hectares per annum be achieved at this rate? “How is the €46m saving to the Exchequer from the contribution forestry makes to climate change mitigation to be realised if the increased annual planting level cannot be attained?”

Mr Doyle said forestry delivers a return on investment by acting as a carbon sink.

It offers a source of renewable energy as well as employment opportunities and spin-offs to the wider economy.

“This potential is being squandered,” said Mr Doyle, claiming Government promises on forestry cannot be trusted.

Meanwhile, Minister of State with responsibility for forestry, Sean Connick, opened a Coillte hosted exhibition at Bunscoil MacAuley Rice, Callan, Co Kilkenny, as part of the town’s week-long Abhainn Rí Festival.

The exhibition showcases the best of the environmental and recreational amenities provided by Coillte Forests, and highlights 2010 as the “International Year of Biodiversity”.

Mr Connick said the exhibition provides an invaluable opportunity for people to learn about, and appreciate, the recreational and environmental benefits of forestry.

“Renewability and sustainability are key traits of forestry. Wood energy has a two-fold impact — as a homegrown, renewable, sustainable, carbon-neutral form of energy and, crucially, as a replacement for imported fossil fuels,” he said.

He also highlighted the contribution forestry makes by way of employment, tourism, enhancement of biodiversity and the provision of recreational facilities in addition to its traditional role as the source of timber and wood energy.