Drop in demand for sawn timber prompts Coillte cutbacks
Demand has fallen from 1.8 million to one million cubic metres, according to David Gunning, chief executive of the state forestry company.
He told the Joint Committee on Agriculture, Fisheries and Food that Coillte is scaling back production in their forests, and will introduce temporary lay-offs until the end of the year at SmartPly, in Waterford Port, which produces oriented strand board. It is expected to close for one week every month for the rest of the year.
The situation is less acute for Coillte’s Medite plant at Clonmel which produces Medium Density Fibreboard.
However, demand for the company’s panels, of which more than 80% are exported, is at 75% of last year’s level.
* Mr Gunning said the company intends to commence construction early next year of a regional office for the south west in the eco-park in Macroom, Co Cork. “It has been identified as our focal point within the Cork region,” said Mr Gunning.
