‘Forestry deal not my preferred choice’

< to plant and acquire forests for its national forestry strategy.

Fianna Fáil Senator Eugene Murphy has said that the Coillte forestry deal with Gresham House Investments was not his “preferred choice” when it came to increasing forestry cover across the country.

The partnership between the semi-state forestry company and the British investment fund has received widespread criticism.

Coillte has defended the deal, claiming it needs to raise funds

Senator Murphy said that during his discussions with Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue he suggested that any area with over 15 per cent forestation should be off limits to the UK investors.

The Fianna Fáil Senator also expressed concerns that good farming land would be sucked up by the project.

“Farmers themselves should consider planting a few acres of broadleaf forestry which now has a subsidy of €1100 per hectare which is extended to 20 years,” he said. year (NET). Carbon dioxide is 27% carbon, therefore 1150kg of pure carbon is equivalent to 4,260kg of carbon dioxide pulled out of the air. Hence, no new methane or carbon is created in this system. Therefore the cow cannot cause any additional warming of the atmosphere. In addition, farmers get no credit for the 680,000km of farm, hedgerows, individual trees and non-forest woodlands, all of which adds up to 450,00 hectares, all pulling greenhouse gas out of the air.

“There is also a plantation grant available so as to help the landowner establish the project. I would urge farmers to seriously consider this option rather than selling their land to Gresham House Investments”.

Senator Murphy said the Agricul ture Minister and his Department would be “very supportive” of farmers who consider planting small areas of broadleaf forestry.

Yours sincerely, Pat

Cummins