Penrose welcomes decision not to sell Coillte harvesting rights

Labour TD for Longford/Westmeath, Willie Penrose, has welcomed the Government's decision to scrap the proposed sale of Coillte's harvesting rights.

It emerged yesterday that the plan to privatise the State body's harvesting rights would not proceed at this stage.

Reacting to the development, Deputy Penrose said: 'I am delighted that the tree crop of Coillte will remain in public ownership, and it is the correct decision and will be widely welcomed across Longford and Westmeath.

“This is the right decision in terms of financial benefit to the State, the issue of public access to the forests, harvesting policy and the supply of timber to sawmills and indeed also from an environmental and social impact. I met a number of people involved in the afforestation industry, including some of our major processors, and I always stated that it would be preferable for our forests to be developed and enhanced, rather than being sold.

'The decision to restructure Coillte is long overdue, and an evaluation of how a merger with Bord na Mona might take place is a far better option, as it could ultimately lead to the establishment of a major bioenergy company which would deal with and accommodate significant aspects of our energy requirements and production, including energy that could be derived from harvesting of wind energy.

'Those two companies have huge experience, skill and professionalism acquired over a number of years, and are capable, in a merged entity, of making significant advances in these areas, which would ensure a good and positive return for our consumers, taxpayers and ultimately the Irish economy.'

Deputy Penrose concluded: '“In the restructuring of Coillte, we must sharply focus on the initial need for the timber industry to create substantial employment, and to stimulate the Irish economy.”