Government moves forestry portfolio

The Government is to transfer responsibility for forestry from the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources Dermot Ahern to the Minister for Agriculture and Food Joe Walsh on January 1.

It said the decision has been taken due to the need for co-ordinated policy making on forestry and other agricultural land uses at national and EU levels.

Mr Walsh said he welcomed the decision and looked forward to giving leadership in a vibrant planting programme to ensure the country’s sophisticated processing industry will be maintained with an adequate supply.