Minister Mary Wallace, Minister of State for Forestry, today visited Coillte, to look at forestry operations being undertaken in Carlow, Wicklow and Wexford. The Minister was shown around by the new Chief Executive-Designate of Coillte, David Gunning.

The Minister visited a number of sites which demonstrated a complete range of activities from planting, road building, timber harvesting to transportation. She also viewed a number of research projects which are in place to research best sustainable silvicultural practices.

The Minister began her trip with a visit to Coillte's main forest nursery, plant cold stores and seed centre located at Ballintemple, Co. Carlow. Coillte Nurseries produces in excess of 40 million forest plants annually, employing up to 200 people during periods of peak activity. The majority of plant production goes to meet the needs of the National Forestry Programme. The National Seed Centre is also located at Ballintemple and is responsible for the collection, processing and marketing of native tree seed material in Ireland.

The Minister commended Coillte on its work in providing amenities for the public. ‘Forestry is playing an increasingly multifunctional role in society through its provision of economic, environmental and social benefits. Recreational use of Coillte’s forests makes a significant contribution to the national well-being and social capital. Forests also contribute to Ireland’s tourism industry by providing an extensive network of recreational facilities’.

The Minister visited a number of sites where she looked at Coillte’s work locally in providing public amenities, developing and maintaining national way-marked walking routes, along with other local partnership initiatives. Much of this work is being carried out through Coillte’s Recreation Initiative which was completed in 2005 and is designed to meet the changing needs of modern Irish society. Sites visited included Ballintemple Nurseries, Shillelagh, Aughrim and Laragh.