Privatisation of Coillte ‘more unlikely every day’

The privatisation of the State’s forestry agency, Coillte, “looks more un-likely every day”, according to Pat Rabbitte, the minister for communications.

He told the Dáil that Simon Coveney, the agriculture minister, was “probably agreed” with this statement but that “final conclusions have yet to be reached”.

He was speaking during question time on the chances of a bio-energy company being set up by Coillte and Bórd na Mona. Mr Rabbitte said there were “possibilities there”. Taoiseach Enda Kenny later said the Government “has not yet made a decision on the sale of State assets”.