Michael McNamara (Clare, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank IMPACT for its presentation. I also commend Coillte on the report it commissioned at the end of last year. At the end of the presentation, IMPACT said it was an opportunity for parliamentarians to state that our forests should not be sold but should be developed and enhanced. I have no problem saying that our forests should not be sold but should be developed and enhanced. However, I have grave reservations about Coillte's ability to develop and enhance our forests in accordance with Government policy and Coillte policy. In previous meetings of this committee, I have been quite critical of Coillte. I am not in any way criticising individual foresters - I appreciate they are doing the very best job they can - but more Coillte policy and, indeed, Government policy to which Coillte must adhere.

There are three issues which I think are hindering the development and enhancement of our forests and the industry surrounding it. One is supply contracts, in particular for thinnings and pulp. We have huge forest plantations.

In the east Clare-south Galway region a lot of planting took place during the late-1970s, the 1980s and until the early-1990s. Many of those trees need to be thinned now yet Coillte does not engage in supply contracts. Admittedly, there is a relatively small factory that produces stakes and a growing wood chip enterprise. There is scope to develop a combined heat and power initiative and other forestry industries. I would like to hear the views of the delegation on the matter. I realise that Coillte has a supply contract for its two Medite products and another plant that it owns. However, the supply contract predates its ownership and Coillte does not enter into new contracts.

Many areas were planted throughout the 1960s and 1970s. Some areas were completely unsuitable but they were planted in good faith. People were testing what they could do. Some of the planted areas had a negative environmental impact and led to deforestation and others were planted but the crop did not grow. Those areas would be far better off if the crop was taken off. A cost would still be involved even if Coillte allowed the land to revert to its original state.

Obviously Coillte must maintain its forestry areas and would have to replant them or replant a commensurate area somewhere else. Therefore, Coillte would have to buy it. I am talking about Government policy, not Coillte's policy. Coillte cannot avail of a grant to buy land and must compete with private owners who can obtain a grant.

There have been a lot of positive development of recreational areas. I am aware the Deputy Boyd Barrett held a protest at Avondale, County Wicklow. There are newer developments like Ballycuggaran in east Clare which I welcome. There is scope for a lot more development and it could lead to tourism related jobs such as mountain biking, hill walks, etc. There have been developments but not enough. I would like to hear the views of the delegation on the three matters.