Michael Comiskey (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the delegates. I have found listening to them very interesting. I, too, have had concerns for a long time about the sale of Coillte harvesting rights. I believe Coillte can do a great deal for us not only in the area of the growth and sale of timber, but on the recreational side in terms of walkways, etc., which have been allowed to deteriorate in some parts of the country. A lot of work can be done in this regard in terms of the promotion of tourism.

Mr. Glennon has already responded to the question on imports. I heard recently that timber is being imported from Scotland. I understand trees planted ten or 15 years ago will soon be ready for first thinning, which means we should have a good crop of timber in the next ten or 15 years. This will ensure the availability of timber for the council and create an income for growers.