Consultation on Forestry in Northern Ireland

The information contained in this Press Release may no longer be valid. The information is maintained on this website for reference purposes only.

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Bríd Rodgers MLA, today formally launched the consultation paper ‘Forestry in Northern Ireland’ at a ceremony in the grounds of Stormont Estate. As part of the consultation process the Minister invited responses to the paper from stakeholders by the closing date of 23 September 2002.

Speaking at the launch to a group of MLAs and representatives of the public, private and voluntary sectors, the Minister said:

“The consultation paper which I am launching today is about forest policy. It describes the options and makes recommendations on many aspects of forest policy. The paper complements the objectives set out in the Programme for Government and addresses the forestry issues in Vision for the future of agriculture. As you read the paper I hope you will see how forestry can contribute to the Regional Development Strategy, to sustainable development, to conserving and enhancing biodiversity, and promoting social inclusion.

“We all use paper and timber. Each year in this country we use five times as much wood as is produced from our own forests. To meet our needs we trade with other nations including developing countries. We are working with governments, industry and environmental groups to ensure that the timber we import comes from properly managed and regulated forests.

“In this country almost 100 lorry loads of timber leave the forest each working day. We make two million visits each year to forests, and the forests improve our environment and quality of life.”

In closing the Minister re-iterated the importance of the consultation process:

“I will be particularly interested to receive your views on how forests should be developed in terms of the emphasis given to industry, to the environment and to social needs. I am also keen to hear your views on the desirable extent of forestry over the next ten years or so, within the limits of what is affordable.”

1. Forestry in Northern Ireland, was published today as a consultation paper. Copies of the paper can be obtained from Mrs Liz McWatters of the Forest Service on 028 9052 4293, or may be downloaded from the Forest Service web-site, www.forestserviceni.gov.uk. The period of consultation ends on 23 September 2002.