Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

First of all I should apologise for the Minister of State, Deputy Andrew Doyle, who is unavoidably absent today. This is his core area of responsibility. It is not at all as if Coillte is abandoning its core objective on these lands, which may have potential for wind harvest. The nature of much of Coillte's estate is that they are elevated lands which, apart from being suitable for growing trees, also have the potential for quite a substantial wind harvest in terms of energy generation. During the meeting I had with it, the company really wanted to convey that it is very anxious to get back to the core business of growing trees and putting more trees in the ground. To do that, it must be able to generate the funds from its assets and to sweat them, including land which has potential for wind generation. Appropriately managed, such measures will secure funding which will enable it to drive the core business forward. That is important.

The Deputy talks about what he might term the paltry targets in respect of our annual planting of 6,600 ha. That is a challenge in itself. We have, in recent years, been struggling to meet that level of ambition. Obviously, it is positive that Coillte is actively considering re-engaging in the market and planting new lands and new trees, as is the private sector which can avail of the grants which are available. It must be borne in mind that Coillte is not entitled to benefit from that grant aid. We are putting our money where our mouth is as a Government and are providing €106 million for forestry and substantial supports for afforestation. I agree with the Deputy in terms of land management. It is worthwhile to pursue action on the mix between broadleaf and sitka spruce and so on.

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