There is a growing realisation that “forestry and forestry products are growth industries, making commercial forestry a shrewd investment for your land,” according to Daragh Little, managing director of Forest Enterprises Ltd (FEL) and chair of the Irish Forestry and Forest Products Association (IFFPA).

“We are constantly adapting new technologies and practices to ensure that forest income is maximised for our clients, particularly in harvesting,” he said. “Managed correctly, the income from harvesting will not only replace but also dwarf forestry premiums, providing income-tax free revenue.”

He promotes group-selling of timber, which offers sellers and buyers the scale and efficiency needed to maximise income. “Wood for energy is an increasingly important part of harvesting and FEL is to the forefront of this, by investing in research and development projects to increase the amount of wood coming from forests,” he said.

“These innovations will increase income for forest owners in a sustainable manner.”

Wood energy entrepreneurs keep the heat on in Limerick

Cotter Bros Firewood has grown significantly over the past three years and is now providing firewood throughout Ireland. Based in Dromtrasna near Abbeyfeale, Co Limerick, the company has been a supporter and member of the Wood Fuel Quality Assurance (WFQA) scheme, which is organised by the Irish BioEnergy Association (IrBEA).

“The scheme guarantees our customers a consistent supply of high-quality firewood,” said Jack Cotter, who along with his brother Nick runs the business. “Regular supply of quality firewood allows homeowners to switch from imported fossil fuels to locally produced, carbon-neutral, guaranteed Irish timber,” maintains Nick.

The brothers made an impact at the Ploughing last week as they supplied firewood to Thurles stovemakers Boru Stoves to demonstrate how effective and competitive wood fuel is. “Using good quality fuel makes all the difference and Cotter Brothers supply the best,” said Boru’s managing director Dermot Fitzgerald.