The Irish Forestry and Forest Products Association (IFFPA) published its 2012 Annual Review. In 2011, 77% of the forest products, which were manufactured in Ireland were exported. However, the IFFPA said that the failure to reach Government afforestation targets meant that the industry may not have enough indigenous raw material in the coming years to meet demand. Sources: Irish Finance News, The Score (Ireland)
In 2011, 6653 hectares of new forest were planted, a decline of 20% on 2010. Current Government targets are to increase forest cover from 10.6% in 2011 to 17% by 2030. If these targets are not met, the timber processing industry may have to import raw material.
IFFPA director Marian Byron said: “Increased productivity may not translate into job creation unless Government addresses a range of issues that are preventing the private sector from planting are preventing the private sector from planting trees.
The timber processing industry is a real Irish success story having turned itself from largely supplying the Irish construction sector to exporting 77% of what it produces to the UK, France and to new markets in continental Europe.
The industry has the capacity to capture more export markets if it has access to raw materials in the years ahead.
The forestry sector currently employs almost 12,000 people in Ireland.
