Why forestry should be on the inside track

WITH major infrastructural projects in the process of being fast-tracked, can forestry also make a case?

Many State organisations and private companies have made hundreds of applications to have road, rail, air, seaports, energy, gas and projects relating to waste management fast-tracked.

The Strategic Infrastructure Act, which came into effect last January, is already facilitating the speedy introduction of some of these projects.

Forestry, which is worth €2 billion annually to rural Ireland, can sustainably increase its economic potential while mitigating the effects of carbon emissions in the future.

Also forestry has a massive role in meeting the increasing demand for both timber and energy, while simultaneously protecting air quality, water ecosystems, biodiversity and archaeology. It, too, deserves reward.

Unless there is an immediate strategic shift towards fast-tracking more environmental investment projects, the forestry sector will not achieve its true potential.

John J Jackson

Chairman

Donegal Forestry Forum

Teevickmoy

Stranorlar

Co Donegal