Comment July August 2008

Teagasc, COFORD and Sustainable Energy Ireland must be congratulated on producing the Farmfest '08 and Bioenergy '08 event. This show was very professionally organised and executed; well done to all concerned.
And on the subject of sustainable and alternative energy, it was great to see so many individuals and companies looking to develop business in this area. It is very clear that forestry has an important role to play alongside other renewable energies. However, it is essential that in light of the sector failing to reach afforestation targets by a considerable distance, that Ministers Coughlan and Killeen must ensure the Government continues to invest in and promote forestry which has so much to offer in the areas of carbon sequestration, timber and energy; not to mention its importance from amenity and environment perspectives.
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Separately, it appears that Coillte has failed to enter any meaningful negotiations with those contractors who have been protesting and continue to protest at many locations around the country in relation a number of issues they have with the company.  If this is a case of a large company hoping the protesters will fail to persevere through exhaustion of funds or being ignored, this is a very sad situation. I believe that not only is it important for the State company to act reasonably, it must also be seen to do so.
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Over the last number of weeks I have come to believe that it may be better for Coillte and the industry if the commercial forestry assets of the State are either sold to private business or divided into a number completely independent sections. Previously, when the Medite MDF plant was for sale, I thought that Coillte could run this mill more profitably than competitors in the bidding competition at the time, and this would result in improved rates to timber harvesting and haulage contractors. However, I now accept that one large organisation having too much control is a really bad idea.  The company did make big profits, which clearly did not trickle down to others in the industry.
Briefly, some of the advantages of selling Coillte: the State would receive a lot of money which could be invested in promoting afforestation and developing a strong wood-fuel sector; more potential for existing Coillte employees to advance their careers; more potential employers for all forestry contracting companies; more innovation through more competition.
These are just some of the advantages that spring to mind. I invite your feedback, whether for or against.
Brendan