Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

One other aspect of this is forestry owners, who are required to have forests certified to access the market. They have been refused access to panel builds in Tipperary and elsewhere around the country with uncertified timber. This is a market requirement that will have real implications for small forest owners throughout the country.

Forest management certification can lead to restructuring of existing forests over time through implementation of the required management plan. This would take community concerns into consideration. Certification on existing forests would deliver for local communities as well as for forest owners and the industry. Forest owners will need certification to sell their timber in the immediate future.

The forest service in the Department has recognised the issue and allowed for primer grant aid to be put in place. Unfortunately, this has not been acted upon and the grant has not been paid. Does the Government intend to initiate a programme of primer grant aid for the sector?

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