ONLY 12,000 hectares of new forests will be planted this year, according to an independent report carried out by Peter Bacon and Associates Economic Consultants.

A REDUCTION in forestry funding by the Government was described as unjustifiable in a report published yesterday.

Ireland: Consultants Peter Bacon and Associates are to carry out a socio-economic review of the forestry sector and its contribution to the environment and economy.

THE role and structure of the Irish Forest Industry Chain (IFIC) is to be reviewed.

FORESTRY grant and premium levels remain unchanged,” said Minister of State John Browne this week in an angry Dáil response to what he called “wild allegations” from the forestry industry.