Issued 27 June 2008
Multi million contribution of forestry sector to economic development and climate change highlighted at launch of COFORD Annual Report
Speaking today in Portlaoise at the launch of the COFORD Annual Report chairman Mr Michael Lynn of Woodfab timber highlighted the economic contribution of the forestry sector to the economy Ireland's forest industry contributes close on €2 billion to the economy annually, producing high quality wood products, ranging from construction timber to roadside fencing and acoustic barriers. Exports of sawn timber and panel board products from Ireland in 2007 amounted to €330 million.
COFORD's research and development programme is geared towards policy and practice needs of the forestry sector in Ireland. Energy and climate change programmes feature strongly in its R&D portfolio, most of which is carried out in Irish third level institutions. In addition, COFORD's portfolio also covers forest genetic resources, planning and management, forest economics, forest biodiversity, the non wood forest products sector and forests and water. Speaking at the launch, the COFORD Director, Dr Eugene Hendrick stated: forests are a key part of tackling climate change at the national and global levels. COFORD's research is showing that Irish forests are absorbing over 4 million tonnes of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere each year, close on one tonne for every member of the population. Part of this uptake will contribute to Ireland's compliance with its Kyoto target, saving the taxpayer €200 million between now and the end of 2012. Research funded by COFORD is vital in realising this potential. Forests also have a major role to play as a source of clean, fully renewable wood fuel. This market is rapidly expanding as consumers face escalating fuel bills. COFORD's research and development programme is playing a central role in realising the potential of wood fuels from Irish forests.
In concluding the launch of the report the COFORD Chairman stated: the economics of forestry are stacking up as never before, demand for wood fuel is at an all time high, and the long term future for the range of wood products being manufactured in Ireland is very favourable. Concerted investment by business and the state is needed to realise the potential of the forest sector, both as land use, and as a provider of a huge range of goods and services to Irish society. With the right policies and a keen focus on innovation, forestry can become as important as the food sector in the coming decade.
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