IFA says it did not stop report

THE farm organisation IFA yesterday strongly rejected claims it prevented publication of a damning report into the timber industry.

Friends of the Irish Environment accused the powerful farm body of suppressing a doomsday-type report prepared for Tánaiste Mary Harney on the heavily grant-aided timber industry.

The report, shelved last year by the Tánaiste’s department, warned the industry will have to dramatically seek efficiencies to ensure its competitive survival in an international marketplace.