The health of the national forest estate is under threat due to timber shortages caused by the forest licencing crisis, IFA farm forestry chair Vincent Nally has said.

The IFA has highlighted forestry owners' concerns relating to recent reports of timber importation from regions with an infestation of bark beetle.

As a legal requirement, all timber imported into Ireland must be devoid of bark.

Phenomenal danger

Ireland's natural protection as an island and recognition of its status as a specially protected zone under EU plant law has ensured that, to date, the beetle and other pests have been kept out of the country.

Nally said: "Forest owners have seen first-hand the devastation caused by ash dieback to the value and health of their forest.

"The potential danger is phenomenal. Spruce is the most predominant and commercially important species in Ireland. According to the 2017 forest inventory, spruce accounts for over 60% of the forest area."

The IFA has also highlighted the difficulties faced by sawmills due to domestic timber shortages, along with the risk to jobs and their market position as a result of considerable delays in forest licences.

Nally called on all prospective importers to engage fully with Department guidance and required inspection protocol.

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