Michelle Mulherin (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish Ms Gray well in her new role, which sounds exciting, and I thank her for her presentation. I have a number of questions. In the past, Coillte appeared before the committee regarding concerns landowners have raised regarding partnership, the different types of partnership and how people feel they were sold a pig in a poke and did not get value for what they had given to Coillte. They also complained that they were not being communicated with. We were told that these issues were in the process of being addressed. Could Ms Gray give us an update on that?

Regarding the rural economy, afforestation and the impact on rural communities have been discussed a number of times at this committee. We receive many complaints from counties such as Leitrim. People feel that the land is overwhelmed by these forests. Some of it is laid at the door of the particular species of tree that is being planted. How can this be better managed with regard to local communities? An issue I have raised, including when the Minister of State, Deputy Doyle, was in the Seanad last week, concerns adding value to forestry. I believe Mayo is above its planting targets but the reality is that twice a week, wood is cut and is transported on a freight train from Ballina free of charge to Waterford. While there may be dividends for some because work is being provided, there is no sawmill and perhaps no place where woodchip could be created. To make forestry acceptable and to plant more, which is the ambition, we need to show local communities its benefits and pointing to something in another county that is quite a distance away does not cut the mustard with people.

Ms Gray mentioned a joint venture to create deliver 1,000 MW of renewable energy by 2030. Am I correct in my understanding that Coillte's focus on renewables has been on land-based wind energy to date? What about biomass and combined heat and power electricity generation? I am curious to find out whether Coillte has entered into any joint ventures and Ms Gray's views on such an energy plant as a prospect where Coillte has the raw material, which is the wood to feed, sustain and generate electricity. Other promoters may not and may have to enter into agreements with Coillte for biomass supply.

What about district heating systems? If we had woodchip or a satisfactory biomass supply, hospitals or villages could have a more sustainable source of electricity and heat. I am trying to understand what steps could be taken to use Coillte's expertise because it did not start out developing amenity forests, for example. It would be remiss of me not to mention Beleek Forest Park in the area where I am from. Ballycroy National Park is another amenity. The staff and management there do a very good job for which I compliment them. Coillte's remit goes beyond just managing forests. It is now moving into renewables and the area of leisure and amenity. Could Coillte work with communities and do something along the lines of what I have suggested because there seems to be a gap? This gap might be filled by co-operatives but generally landowners and communities do not have the wherewithal or finances to resource it.