THE timber industry will have to import nearly one million cubic metres of material because about 1,500 hectares of forestry were lost in the recent spate of fires, according to the Irish Forestry and Forest Products Association, which represents the forestry and forest-based business sector.

THE forestry sector has warned that Government cuts in the sector are going to cost jobs at a time when every action should be taken to protect employment.

THE Irish Forestry and Forest Products Association (IFFPA), has welcomed the Government commitment to invest an extra €3 million in the forestry and bio-energy sector next year, as announced in the budget.

The employers' body IBEC has claimed that new EU chemical regulations due to come into force next year could cost Irish industries more than €180m.

EMPLOYERS body IBEC has warned of potential turmoil unless more is done to prepare for new EU chemicals laws.