Comment Nov Dec 08

A Time of Goodwill: It is now very clear that Minister Tony Killeen, T.D., who has special responsibility for forestry will need to engage with the forestry contracting sector as a matter of urgency, or large numbers of contractors businesses will fail.  I believe the offer from Marian Byron, who will be leading a new timber/forestry sector at IBEC, to  assist in solving this crises is very positive, and an offer that should be grasped by all parties concerned.  If the Government can offer the banks a rescue package for a problem that was largely caused by the banks, I think it only fair that the Government examine how it might be of assistance to the timber harvesting sector which is in crises due to no fault of its own: to do so now, particularly in this 'time of goodwill" would be a very good gesture .
On a positive note, there is a lot of optimism regarding the ongoing development of a woodfuel market. Green Minister Eamon Ryan, T.D., speaking at the official opening of the DPellet plant in Co. Kilkenny made it clear that the Government is fully committed to assisting this industry develop in whatever way it can.  
And for readers who were unable to attend the APF forestry show, we include a 'Pictorial Review' of that event. There was positive news from that show too, with record numbers of exhibitors and visitors; so it appears there is potential for business, at least throughout some areas of the forestry industry.
Finally, as this is our last edition for 2008, I wish everyone; readers, contributors, advertisers and friends a happy Christmas and the very best for 2009.