The Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture is continuing to focus on challenges faced by the forestry sector when it meets to discuss the issue for the third time in less than six weeks.

Before the committee on Tuesday will be representatives from the State-owned forestry company Coillte and Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture with responsibility for forestry Pippa Hackett.

It will be the first appearance by Minister Hackett since she was appointed to the role and, similarly, it will be the first appearance of Coillte before the committee during this Dáil term.

Challenges

Ahead of the meeting, committee chair Jackie Cahill said the challenges faced by the forestry sector have been articulated at recent meetings by organisations including the IFA, Limerick and Tipperary Woodland Owners Ltd, Forest Industries Ireland and Woodlands of Ireland.

“We look forward to investigating further on Tuesday the very serious delays in the issuing of licences for planting, tilling and felling of forestry and the failure to meet our targets for planting,” Cahill said.

Coillte

“Like every other organisation, Coillte faces challenges during COVID Level 5. Its forests are open, but of greater interest to the committee is the long-term sustainability and supports required for the sector.

"The development of the forestry sector has certainly gained pace since the establishment of Coillte more than 30 years ago. As a sector, it needs to build on this now as an essential part of our rural economy.

“Pre-COVID, it was suggested by Coillte that the industry had the potential to double in size over the next 10 years, so in light of recent events and the challenges faced as outlined by previous witnesses, we very much look forward to Tuesday’s update, and the input of the Minister of State.”

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