Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) with special responsibility for Forestry, Farm Safety and Horticulture, Michael Healy-Rae TD addressed this year’s Teagasc Talking Timber event, held on Tuesday, 15 April in the Clayton Hotel in Sligo.
Speaking at the event, Minister Healy-Rae encouraged forest owners to engage with the sector to arrange the harvesting of forests damaged by storms. About Felling licences, he said; ‘’As felling licence applications come in, they will be dealt with promptly; the average turnaround time is 4 months”. The Minister was very positive regarding the support of forest owners for the reconstitution of storm damaged forests and future aid to certify private forests.
The Talking Timber event, opened by Teagasc Director, Professor Frank O’Mara was attended by over 150 forest owners, where the focus of this year’s event was the marketing of post-storm conifer timber. Professor O’Mara said; “With over 20 trade stands representing different sectors of the forest industry, this annual event in the Teagasc Forestry calendar provides a valuable opportunity for knowledge sharing and networking with the forestry sector across the country”. He said; “Our message today is that Teagasc forestry staff are available and will continue to support forest owners and the sector in navigating through the current challenges posed by recent weather events”.
This event organised by Teagasc in association with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), along with Forest Industries Ireland, offered a great opportunity for forest owners to hear about current timber markets in the context of recent storms, view harvested logs and timber products, and also to network with many timber buyers and contractors.
During the discussions at the outdoor log and timber products display, John Ryan, Murray’s Timber Group (representing Forest Industries Ireland) stressed the need for forest owners to understand the different dimensions, quality and value of different log products.
Speakers at the indoor conference included Christian Fitzgerald, Teagasc who outlined the importance of owners understanding the different methods of how timber is sold and how important it is for Forest owners to be involved at every step. Local forest owner, Peter Wilson shared his experience of dealing with wind damage, with Forestry contractor, Peter Sullivan explaining the extra challenges associated with harvesting in storm affected forests. Representing Bord Na Mona, Joseph Spollen described the potential for using timber for Biomass. Seppi Hona, DAFM outlined the supports for forest owners and the steps involved in preparing for a forest harvest.
Feedback from the event was very positive, with many attendees appreciating the opportunity to raise relevant issues and to meet face-to-face with timber buyers, Teagasc and DAFM staff at this key event.
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