Timber industry challenged to develop new products

THE Irish timber industry has been challenged to develop new products and markets.

Agriculture and Food Minister Joe Walsh told the Irish Timber Council (ITC) annual general meeting in Cork at the weekend that he wants to see a combined and aggressive approach in the downstream area of the industry.

"I see no reason why we should not have a renewed and sustained import substitution policy in the timber sector which would make a real impact on our balance of payments and our job creation," he said.