The upcoming Leitrim forestry review needs to address the impact of the current industrial forestry model on local communities, the environment and the local economy, according to Gerry Loftus, forestry and climate change spokesperson for the Irish Natura And Hill Farmers Association (INHFA).
“We need to quantify the true cost of our approach to planting, growing and clear felling – its impact on community life, mental health, soil health, habitat and the corresponding effect on wildlife and biodiversity.
“We need research into what other options exist for meeting the needs of the wood industry into the future and whether pursuing those options will provide a better outcome for those who live and farm in Leitrim. The better outcomes we refer to are better mental health, more livelihood opportunities, clean air and water, a thriving natural environment, a dynamic economy,” Loftus said.
Loftus added that where certain options might provide these better outcomes, the report must detail the support and assistance existing businesses will need to transition over to a different way of working.
“We want to invest in long-term business in the area. We want to explore what opportunities having a stock of native hardwoods might present to local trades and craftsmen who produce quality furniture and goods. We want to see the report assess the financial and other benefits of replanting mixed predominantly native woodlands once the non-native conifers have been felled,” he said.
Mary Rooney, INHFA Leitrim county chair said the study needs to be participatory and include all stake holders and community members.
“There must be public meetings early in the process providing information about the study and these meetings must include a substantial question and answer session to allow community members to clarify all issues.
“The current trend of information drop in days is neither community participation nor consultation,” she said.
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The upcoming Leitrim forestry review needs to address the impact of the current industrial forestry model on local communities, the environment and the local economy, according to Gerry Loftus, forestry and climate change spokesperson for the Irish Natura And Hill Farmers Association (INHFA).
“We need to quantify the true cost of our approach to planting, growing and clear felling – its impact on community life, mental health, soil health, habitat and the corresponding effect on wildlife and biodiversity.
“We need research into what other options exist for meeting the needs of the wood industry into the future and whether pursuing those options will provide a better outcome for those who live and farm in Leitrim. The better outcomes we refer to are better mental health, more livelihood opportunities, clean air and water, a thriving natural environment, a dynamic economy,” Loftus said.
Loftus added that where certain options might provide these better outcomes, the report must detail the support and assistance existing businesses will need to transition over to a different way of working.
“We want to invest in long-term business in the area. We want to explore what opportunities having a stock of native hardwoods might present to local trades and craftsmen who produce quality furniture and goods. We want to see the report assess the financial and other benefits of replanting mixed predominantly native woodlands once the non-native conifers have been felled,” he said.
Mary Rooney, INHFA Leitrim county chair said the study needs to be participatory and include all stake holders and community members.
“There must be public meetings early in the process providing information about the study and these meetings must include a substantial question and answer session to allow community members to clarify all issues.
“The current trend of information drop in days is neither community participation nor consultation,” she said.
Read more
‘Most non-farmers that plant forestry inherited land’ – Teagasc
Coillte and ESB in talks to develop new wind farms
Farmers sue Coillte over forestry contracts
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