Retention of forestry-thinning grants ‘will sustain long-term jobs’

The State’s retention of forestry-thinning grants will enhance woodland management and sustain long-term employment, according to one leading industry figure.

Mick Cronin, harvesting manager with The Forestry Company — a nationwide provider of thinning, harvesting and investment advice — said the €112m set aside to fund broadleaf thinning and the building of forest roads will underpin growth in the industry, and protect Ireland’s autonomy in meeting the country’s future timber needs.

Mr Cronin said: “The demand for firewood is particularly strong at the moment, with increasing numbers of households using stoves and solid wood boilers. Broadleaf thinnings produce this much sought-after raw material.”

Foresters’ fears of being hit by Government cutbacks were allayed with the reopening of the Broadleaf Thinning Scheme, retaining the rate of €750 per hectare.

The Forest Roads Grants Scheme, however, has been reduced from €45/metre to €35/m for road building. Both schemes are viewed as essential to the long-term future of the industry.

Mick Cronin added: “The Forest Road Grant ensures that people who planted sites in the earlier years of the private planting programme can access and thin their plantations. This will lead to rural job creation.

“During the mid-’90s, a lot of broadleaves were planted. The owners of these plantations are now availing of these schemes. By thinning plantations, future crops will be much more valuable.”

Donal Brosnan, also of The Forestry Company, said: “The generous annual premium is often the thing that people associate most with forestry.

“However, many of our clients are now seeing a very healthy return from the timber generated from their plantations. The long-term benefits of forestry should thus not be understated,” he said.