Martin Heydon (Kildare South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am delighted to have an opportunity to speak on this important motion. As someone who, when I had more time on my hands, enjoyed many days hill walking in the Wicklow mountains from Glendalough to Lugnaquilla, I am very conscious of the many and varied benefits and uses of our natural forests, the Coillte estate in particular. In one way, while it is a deeply rural issue, it is one part of rural life which can be and is enjoyed by many urban dwellers, particularly in areas like Wicklow, which is so close to the city of Dublin.

I acknowledge there are many genuine concerns surrounding the decision to consider the sale of harvesting rights from Coillte. These include open access to a recreational amenity which is used by many, such as hill walkers, as well as security of supply to the timber producers and sawmills, which is a crucial factor for the people involved in that sector because Coillte provides 80% of their supplies. The direct jobs at Coillte and those in related companies are a consideration, as is the need for a continued afforestation programme and replanting. In addition, the impact on our climate change targets is also important.

The Minister, Deputy Howlin, while speaking in the House yesterday, recognised all of these concerns and confirmed they were all factors that would be taken into consideration in any final decision. This decision is only being considered in light of our current economic plight and shows an analysis of all alternative sources of funding for job creation and infrastructure projects, given the large shortfall in our annual public finances. I accept the Minister, Deputy Coveney's, point that, in our NewERA programme, we showed an openness while in opposition to look at the role all State assets could play. We have to look at value for money and consider any return that can be made. As a Government, we would not be following our mandate if we did not fully consider all options open to us to generate additional revenue.

The process that led to the current consideration of the sale of harvesting rights has already recognised the intrinsic value of the land. I believe we should review all potential sales of State assets to ensure we find the best way of generating these much needed funds, and I make no apology for that. The Government amendment confirms the renegotiated troika position that half of the proceeds from the sale of State assets can be used for re-investment in job-rich Irish projects. It also confirms that while the other half is destined for debt repayment, it could also be available for use in a fund to underpin additional lending in Ireland to fund infrastructure projects and a stimulus package.

These projects are vital. We cannot debate this motion in isolation but must also consider the wider return that could be generated from the proceeds of any sale. In my constituency, there are two projects in particular that are obvious for strategic funding in order to proceed, namely, the southern distributor ring road around the town of Athy and a new primary school in Crookstown. While that school is at an advanced stage of planning and is much needed, it is not currently on the five-year building programme. Additional strategic funds would help it proceed at a much quicker pace. The southern distributor route has been assessed as having an extremely high cost-benefit ratio and would turn around many businesses in the town of Athy that are currently struggling due to the town being clogged with traffic. The €35 million cost needed to progress this project must be found. I am sure there are projects like the southern distributor route and Crookstown school in every area of the country. Their progress would create jobs and economic activity in local towns, as well as providing much-needed facilities.

I am very aware that the whole issue regarding Coillte is one that needs to be got right, all the more reason why we need a calm and thorough debate around all aspects of the proposal. I welcome the commitment of the Minister, Deputy Howlin, last night to proceed with great caution throughout this consideration phase and, in particular, his comment that this sale will only proceed if it makes economic and strategic sense for the Irish people.

I note the report of Mr. Peter Bacon, commissioned by IMPACT, and I am aware of his findings. However, I am cautious of reports that are commissioned by such an interested party. Many of his outcomes were based on assumptions and historical information, without any detailed knowledge of the potential structure of any proposed transaction.

The Government recognises the importance of forestry. The Minister touched on the work done by the late Minister of State, Mr. Shane McEntee, in maintaining funding levels in the industry in the past two years. I welcome a thorough review of the Coillte business, irrespective of the outcome, because a review of Coillte's business is warranted and may bring benefits in other areas.

As a member of the Oireachtas agriculture committee, I agree with the views of Deputy Andrew Doyle that the committee is the proper forum to discuss this proposal and the industry in general in a lot more detail with the stakeholders. I look forward to those discussions as a means of shaping this debate further and ensuring that all stakeholders have a detailed opportunity to have their say. Let us use this period as an opportunity to reflect on the value of our forestry assets, how best we can utilise them and if an improved return can be generated, whether that is through the sale of harvesting rights.

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