Thousands of rural jobs are forecasted in the forestry and timber industry as the supply from Irish forests is set to double over the next 16 years.
That’s the view of Forest Industries Ireland, a new trade association for the sector.
The FII estimates that by 2035 there will be an additional six thousand rural jobs and that the industry’s combined turnover will double.
The new association represents 22 member companies and aims to be the primary voice of the sector in Ireland.
Meanwhile, Leitrim County Council is to investigate the possibility of forcing State-owned forestries and forestry land owners to contribute to the maintenance of local roads through CIS Schemes.
Sinn Fein Councillor Caroline Mulvey says that with such a high volume of forestry in north Leitrim, it is necessary to ensure that local roads are maintained to the highest possible standard and that individuals and companies involved in forestry should contribute to the upkeep of the roads.
