Forestry Bill ‘won’t add to administrative burden’ on landowners
Forestry Minister Tom Hayes gave the assurance when he introduced the Bill (Second Stage) in the Dáil.
He said the systems put in place by his department will be as user-friendly as possible and that no unreasonable demands will be placed on anyone by this legislation.
Mr Hayes promised there would be consultation prior to introducing legislation.
Mr Hayes said the national forest estate is now just over 730,000 hectares or nearly 11% of the total land area.
While this has expanded significantly since the early 1980s, it is still relatively low compared to our EU counterparts given that nearly 40% of total land in the EU is forest cover.
Of the national forest estate, over 54% is in public ownership mainly through Coillte, with the remaining 46% in private ownership.
This contrasts with the position 20 years ago when 70% was in public ownership with 30% in private ownership. There are over 19,000 private forest owners in Ireland, the majority of whom are farmers.
Mr Hayes said our forest sector comprises growing, processing, harvesting and transport sectors.
Exports of wood products in 2012 were €303m.
Mr Hayes said total employment in forestry is estimated at 12,000 persons.
“This all generates considerable economic activity and benefits in the wider economy and, more especially in rural communities,” he said.
