Minister of State for Agriculture with responsibility for forestry Andrew Doyle formally opened a conference on Monday focusing on Ireland’s native woodlands, which is taking place over two days from April 30 to May 1 2018, at the Glenview Hotel, Delgany, Co Wicklow.

Addressing the conference, Minister Doyle said: “As native woodlands are an important part of Ireland’s natural heritage, history and culture, and are unique in terms of their biodiversity, it is appropriate that we focus today on that element of Irish forestry.

"I am not underestimating their economic potential as a source of quality hardwood, renewable energy and other wood and non-wood products, and the social and recreational benefits we derive from them.”

The conference - 20 Years A-Growing - organised by Woodlands of Ireland is to mark two decades of work restoring, managing and creating new native woodlands in Ireland. The conference schedule includes presentations by leading Irish and international experts on the management and issues relating to native woodlands, panel discussions and field excursions.

At the conference, the minister also launched a new initiative Woodland for Water. Part of his department’s response to the river basin management plan for Ireland 2018-2021, the initiative uses woodlands and forests to proactively contribute to improving Irish waters.

Minister Doyle outlined the role of his department in relation to the expansion of Ireland’s native woodland resource, through afforestation on new sites and the conversion of existing non-native forests.

“One of the principal objectives of the forestry programme is to increase the level of broadleaves and the department has worked closely with Woodland of Ireland and other stakeholders in a partnership format over the past 20 years or so to develop policies and measures to improve the level and quality of our native woodlands,” he said.

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