Tom Hayes TD, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine with special responsibility for forestry, today formally opened the TIMBER 2015 show at Stradbally Hall Estate in Co. Laois.

In his opening speech, Minister Hayes acknowledged the organisation of the show stating, “Given the importance of the forestry sector, I believe that it is fitting to showcase the many aspects of forestry and give people an opportunity to see forestry-related machinery, products and services”.

Minister Hayes outlined his role and that of his Department, which is “to assist and facilitate the development of a competitive and sustainable forest sector in Ireland,” and added that “the budget allocation of just over €113 million to my Department’s forestry programme for 2015 is an acknowledgement by the Government of the contribution and potential of the forest sector.”

The Minister also noted that “decades of investment in afforestation by the State has helped to create that sustainable natural resource, providing the raw material for a vibrant forest industry that makes a significant contribution to our economy, our environment and our society.”

TIMBER 2015, formerly known as the Irish Forestry, Woodland and Bio Energy Show, is one of Ireland’s foremost forestry and woodland promotional and information events. The event is held biennially and was previously held in Stradbally in May 2013. The event acts as a showcase for the forestry industry, forestry-related machinery, products and services. It also features a wide range of related demonstrations and activities, as well as featuring bio energy, tree care and wood crafts.

Referring to the roll-out of the Forestry Programme 2014-2020, the Minister  commented “I am confident that the new Forestry Programme  will prove equally attractive to landowners, helping to generate even more interest in forestry and encouraging the planting required to supply our sawmills and timber processing industry into the future.”

View this Press Release as a PDF: DAFMPR 83/2015 (pdf 444Kb) 

Date Released: 11 May 2015