Irish Timber Growers Association highlight role of forests in achieving Ireland’s Climate Change and Biodiversity Goals
Minister with responsibility for Forestry at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Senator Pippa Hackett, launched the 2023 ITGA Forestry and Timber Yearbook. In welcoming the Yearbook publication, it’s 34th edition, the Minister stated, 'The 2023 ITGA Forestry and Timber Yearbook provides a wealth of information for those already involved in forestry and especially those considering planting in 2023. People across the country are currently considering planting trees following the announcement of the new €1.3bn forestry programme last month.
It has never been more important for us to work together to encourage people to plant the right tree, in the right place.'
The Irish Timber Growers Association (ITGA) Chairman, Brendan Lacey, thanked the Minister and said, 'As a sector, forestry is ideally placed to form a core part of agriculture in Ireland, enhancing its sustainability through offsetting agricultural emissions, sequestering carbon and increasing biodiversity. Forestry is central to achieving our national climate change mitigation, biodiversity, water protection and rural development goals.'
He outlined that the Yearbook highlights the many attributes of forestry including its economic, environmental and social importance through the articles and statistical information in the publication.
Donal Whelan of the Irish Timber Growers Association said that the 2023 Forestry and Timber Yearbook is one of the most important sources of information for the sector and it also highlights the sector’s profile nationally. The Yearbook contains 208 pages of invaluable information for timber growers, forestry professionals, the timber industry and the general public.
Brendan Lacey also thanked Coillte, the Murray Timber Group and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the main Yearbook sponsors, and the various companies, organisations and individuals who continue to support its publication.
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Minister Hackett launches the 2023 ITGA Forestry & Timber Yearbook. Pictured (from left to right) Patrick Murray (Murray Timber Group, Co-Sponsor of the Forestry Yearbook), Senator Pippa Hackett, Minister of State for Forestry, and Donal Whelan (ITGA); Photo: Mechteld Schuller
Forestry programme 2023 – 2027 - Interim arrangements
Following the €1.3 billion announced for new Forestry Supports, New Afforestation Rates for the Forestry Programme 2023 – 2027 were announced.
The new Forestry Programme 2023-2027 will come into force in early 2023 subject to State Aid approval from the EU Commission. This process is ongoing, and all stakeholders will be updated on progress as the State Aid application moves closer to completion. The Department is currently considering and integrating feedback from stakeholders and the public further to the public consultation held from October to November and, subject to State Aid approval, will launch the new Programme as soon as is allowable.
In the meantime, the Minister has approved an interim solution for afforestation and roads.
For more information, see DAFM Website