Issued 11 July
Irish forest products sector experiences significant growth
Figures released today by COFORD, the National Council for Forest Research & Development (www.coford.ie) show that the Irish forest products sector experienced significant growth in 2007.
A record three million cubic metres of roundwood was harvested from Irish forests in 2007, supplying the sawmilling, wood based panel sector and energy sectors. Coillte supplied 87% of the harvest, with the balance coming from an expanding private forest estate. Harvest levels in private sector forests are increasing significantly, and have the potential to grow ten fold over the coming decade.
Mr Michael Lynn, Chairman of COFORD said: Irish forest product exports for 2007 were worth over €333 million to the economy, an increase of 14% on 2006. This strong export performance was in the face of strong competition in the UK and other markets. Continued investment in innovation and marketing along the entire product chain, allied to realistic raw material prices, will be needed to maintain and grow these markets.
Irish Forest Sector Output for 2007
|
| Volume |
|
| Timber harvest for 2007 |
|
|
| Coillte | 2.6 million cubic metres |
|
| Private | 0.4 million cubic metres |
|
|
| 3 million cubic metres |
|
|
| Value |
|
| Exports |
|
|
| Wood based panels | €262 million |
|
| Sawn timber | €71 million |
|
| Total | €333 million | 14% increase on 2006 |
Dr Eugene Hendrick, COFORD Director added: The forest industry is rapidly developing a range of quality wood fuels, which includes high quality firewood, as well as refined products such as wood chip and pellets. R&D investment by both state and business are, in our view, vital to the early stage development of the supply chains for these products. COFORD's investment in research, development and demonstration, allied to our woodenergy.ie advisory service, is targeted at producing quality wood fuels at competitive, affordable prices. Over the coming year wood energy output from state and private forests is set to grow significantly, at a time when other sectors of the economy are experiencing a slowdown, and jobs are once more in short supply.
COFORD's analysis also shows that sawn timber imports declined significantly in 2007, reflecting the downturn in house construction compared with 2006.
COFORD's data are based on work carried out on its behalf by Drima Market Research/ Gordon Knaggs & Associates, in association with the CSO and industry bodies.
ends