Several organisations involved in the forestry industry in this country have welcomed the appointment of a new minister of state at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM).

Today, the government announced that Fianna Fáil Limerick TD Niall Collins will fill the vacancy created by the shock resignation of Michael Healy-Rae last month.

Forest Industries Ireland, the Ibec group that represents the Irish forestry and timber sectors, has welcomed the appointment of Collins as the new Minister of State with responsibility for forestry.

Director of Forest Industries Ireland, Mark McAuley said: "This is a pivotal time for the forestry sector as we have just been designing the new Forestry Programme.

"The challenge for the forestry sector, and for the new minister, is to rebuild confidence in forestry and design an enhanced Forestry Programme which is capable of increasing afforestation from its current low levels of 2,500ha per annum."

McAuley said that if the rate of new forest plantings is not increased, not only will the future of the Irish timber sector be undermined, but Ireland will face increased climate change fines.

McAuley continued: “The afforestation schemes must be able to compete with other land uses.

"There is stiff competition for land from other agriculture systems, tax free land leasing, solar farms, and the various CAP [Common Agricultural Policy] schemes.

"We need to make the forestry option simpler and easier to get into, take away some of the risks, and provide attractive financial returns.”

Forestry industry response

Similarly, the Social, Economic and Environmental Forestry Association of Ireland (SEEFA) has welcomed the appointment of Niall Collins as a minister of state at DAFM.

The organisation said that the role comes at a critical time for Ireland’s forestry sector, with a new Forestry Programme in development and ongoing focus required on planting, licensing, farmer confidence, timber supply, and rural employment.

SEEFA has mentioned that earlier this year, Minister Collins highlighted over €1 million in annual forestry premium payments issued to forest owners in Limerick.

At the time, Collins described the payments as vital support and encouraged those considering forestry to consult a registered forester or Teagasc forestry adviser.

SEEFA said that this understanding of practical supports for forest owners will be essential as Ireland seeks to rebuild confidence in forestry.

Chair of SEEFA, Paddy Bruton commented: “Forestry is vital to Ireland’s rural economy, climate goals, timber supply, and biodiversity.

“Minister Michael Healy-Rae advanced private sector engagement in policy discussions and prioritised licensing, the Mid-Term Review, and responses to recent windblow challenges. Maintaining this urgency and commitment is essential.”

SEEFA stated that forestry must be treated as a national priority, requiring "clear leadership" and close collaboration between government and the private sector.

It is hopeful of an early meeting with Minister Collins to discuss the next Forestry Programme and other forestry issues.