Written answers

Wednesday, 6 February 2013

Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Sale of State Assets

Photo of Eoghan MurphyEoghan Murphy (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine if he has concerns that the plans to sell harvesting rights of the Coillte estate to private commercial interests will lead to the imposition of restrictions on access to our forests in the part of the private owners in view of the fact that the open access policy operating under Coillte management may conflict with their aim of maximising return on investment. [6285/13]

Photo of Simon CoveneySimon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Further to the Government decision that a concession for the harvesting rights to Coillte’s forests be considered for sale, NewERA have been actively engaged in recent months with Coillte, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and my Department to examine the financial and other implications of developing the potential of Coillte’s forest assets.

The process is at an advanced stage and, aside from the identification and valuation of the forestry assets, a number of issues have been identified in relation to the possible harvesting rights concession. Public access to recreational land is one of the issues so identified. I am aware that Coillte provide a range of recreational opportunities for the general public continuing the long tradition of open access to the State owned forests and land. All of the issues, and the measures, if necessary, to address them, require detailed consideration. The outcome of the overall analysis will be considered by the Government upon its conclusion and no decision has been taken, as yet.

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