Minister Michael Healy-Rae is currently navigating the difficult landscape of the forestry sector, exacerbated by recent storms that have downed 24,000 hectares of trees. The government's goal of planting 8,000 hectares annually has drastically fallen short, with less than 2,000 hectares planted in the last two years. Healy-Rae acknowledges the pressures from both increased timber prices and environmental challenges, stressing the need for immediate action and collaborative efforts to restore and enhance forestry practices in Ireland.
Michael Healy-Rae expressed that his role as Minister of State for Forestry is particularly challenging given the recent storms, which have destroyed significant forestry areas. He emphasized the importance of addressing both storm damage and the decline in planting ambitions to develop sustainable forestry practices.
He noted that the increase in timber prices and the negative impact of storms add pressure on the forestry sector, which is facing a crisis and needs immediate intervention. He emphasized that collaboration and swift solutions are required to overcome current challenges.
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