21/10/09

Labour Agri-Business Spokesperson Seán Sherlock TD has welcomed the fact that Coillte will address the Committee on Agriculture on the 28th October.

"The appearance before the Committee allows members to assess the potential of Forestry in assisting economic recovery and creating jobs in the future."

 

"While Coillte's 2008 Annual Report shows a reduction in profit to €9.2 million (down 77%, on the previous year), there is major economic growth potential in wind energy to over 400 Mega Watts on lands owned by Coillte. This coupled with Coillte's designation of 15% of their 65,000 hectares to be designated for nature speaks volumes about the potential to develop a jobs mix around the concept of forestry. The potential for tourism, energy and product development clearly shows major potential."

 

 

"The development of over 90 km of cycle trails in the Ballyhoura Mountain range, for example, clearly shows there is potential for an expansion of this model to develop a package of proposals around outdoor activities throughout the country."

 

 

"The Wind Energy portfolio of Coillte will be based on an active examination of Coillte lands to include 'sale or lease of sites to third parties', and developing lands themselves or in partnership with others. There must be a real political response to creating an economic package around meeting energy requirements. Coillte will play an active part in this process and Government has to respond favourably. We have a comparative advantage in this area but we are not realising its full potential presently."

 

 

"There is no doubt but that the downturn of the construction industry has caused attrition in turnover. The responsibility of Government will be to assist Coillte in enhancing its product mix, which varies between tourism and the development of new wood products and contributing to the country's energy needs in the future."

 

 

"Although Coillte's core business is presently operating at a loss for 2009, the Labour Party in Government sees major potential in assisting Coillte to develop its Corporate Strategy further to meet Ireland's energy needs, to create employment, to develop its sustainability agenda and contribute further to Ireland's meeting of its targets post- Copenhagen."

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