Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Acting Chairman. I wish to reiterate the point that timber production is very important. In our earlier discussion, we spoke of the crisis in that area. This must be distinct from the forestry policy. I am aware that this is where the Minster of State is strongest in her ambition. I fear, however, that we do not have, nor have we ever had, a proper strategy based on the promotion of native broadleaf species, and the inclusion of as many people as possible. I have spoken on the importance of the farmer as stakeholder in this important aspect of forestry. There is probably scope on all farmland in the country for additional trees to be planted, if it is done in the right manner and if the supports are there. With every community group there is huge scope for urban green areas to be utilised. During the restricted periods we saw the importance of those types of spaces. All of those areas are under-utilised. Other European countries have areas the size of entire Irish counties where they can have forestry. We do not have that here so we need a different and ambitious approach.

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