Forestry sector making significant contribution to the economy

The forestry sector makes a significant contribution to the economy and society in general, Minister of State Tom Hayes told the National Forestry Conference in Enfield, Co Meath, yesterday.

He said it employs just under 12,000 people with some 78% of the processing output being exported in 2012.

“There are also visible daily indications of the growth of the forestry sector. Lorries hauling timber are becoming as much a feature on our roads as livestock lorries.