Around 5,000 new jobs could be created in forestry over the next five years, according to Coillte.
Around 5,000 new jobs could be created in forestry over the next five years, according to Coillte.
It comes after a 200 million euro investment in the sector was announced.
112 million euro will be aimed at privately owned forests to improve their management and increase the supply of wood for commercial use.
The other 90 million will be used to upgrade Coillte owned forests, and to construct or maintain 1,600kms of forest roads and 1,000km of walking paths.
EU Agriculture Commissioner Phil Hogan says it should give an economic boost to the sector.
However it also aims to maintain recreational paths so that people can enjoy Ireland’s natural beauty – according to Fergal Leamy, Coillte’s CEO.
He added that with further investment the forestry industry has the potential to double over the next 10 years.
