Wicklow’s forestry industry will earn €457 million by 2035
A NEW trade association for the forestry and timber industries has been established within IBEC, the national business organisation.
Forest Industries Ireland (FII) includes almost all the major forestry and timber companies in Ireland are members of Forest Industries Ireland, including None-So-Hardy Forestry from Shillelagh, a privately owned company specialising in the growing and supplying of first class forestry plants to the Irish forestry market. Another FII member is Veon, a company that provides forest management services to the largest and most significant estates in the country including the Coollatin Estate.
There are 582 forestry owners in County Wicklow, with the forestry sector employing 760 people.
The industry is forecasting major growth in the coming years as the supply of raw material from Irish forests will double in the period 2017-2035.
It is estimated that the industry’s combined turnover of €800 million today will grow to €1.6 billion by 2035, of which €457 million will be earned in Wicklow. An additional 6,000 rural jobs will also be created on top of the 12,000 jobs already driven by the industry.
Mark McAuley, Director of Forest Industries Ireland, said: ‘Ireland has a natural competitive advantage in forestry and timber. Our forests are delivering more and more timber to our sawmills and the construction products they make have a strong and growing market in the UK and Ireland.’
Brian Murphy, the inaugural Chairman of Forest Industries Ireland, said: ‘Forest Industries Ireland (FII) is placing timber and forestry at the heart of Ireland’s rural economy. With a combined turnover of over €800 million, the industry is a major player in the rural and national economies. Our companies take pride in the high-quality employment we provide and the sustainable products we deliver.
‘The industry is enjoying a period of major capital investment, market buoyancy and substantial growth in wood supply. These three elements will underpin growth for the industry that will see it double in size in the next two decades. FII and its member companies are committed to engendering the highest standards in the industry. Competitiveness, climate action, and sustainability go hand in hand and underpin long term growth and prosperity across this dynamic industry. We are proud to be delivering quality jobs especially to our rural communities, and making a major contribution to the Irish economy, our society and the environment,’ said Mr Murphy.