Tuesday, March 09, 2010

Killeen Launches Forestry Review Process

Mr. Tony Killeen TD, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food with responsibility for forestry, today launched the Forestry Review process.

Referring to the commitment in the renewed Programme for Government to review state forestry policy, including the role of Coillte and its functions and operations, and the effectiveness of current forestry grant schemes Minister of State Killeen said: “I am pleased to invite submissions for this wide ranging review and I encourage people to avail of this opportunity. It is particularly appropriate that the consultation phase commences during National Tree Week.”

The theme of this year’s National Tree Week, which takes place from 7th to 13th March 2010, is ‘Twenty Ten – Plant Again’ to encourage people to make a renewed effort to go out and plant more trees during the week. This year, 15,000 trees sponsored by Coillte, will be distributed to community groups by local authorities all over the country. Events planned to mark National Tree Week include forest walks, tree planting ceremonies, workshops, talks and competitions.

Commenting on the theme of this year’s National Tree Week, Minister of State Killeen stated: “A lot of people now recognise and appreciate the many non-timber benefits of forests but it is also important to acknowledge that the forestry sector, encompassing growing, harvesting and processing of forest products, employs significant numbers, especially in rural Ireland. Afforestation - the planting of new forests - is required for the continuity of this sector and the many other benefits derived from forests so I would also encourage people to make a renewed effort to plant forests.”

In relation to the Forestry Policy review, three groups have been formed to look at specific aspects contained in the commitment in the renewed Programme for Government. The terms of reference of the three groups, background papers on Irish Forestry and on Coillte are available on the Department’s website at www.agriculture.gov.ie/forestservice/forestryreview.

Submissions may be sent by email to forestryreview@agriculture.gov.ie or by post, marked Submission on Forestry Review, to Forest Service, Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Food, Johnstown Castle Estate, Wexford. It should be noted that submissions received will be made publicly available on this website.