Niall Collins recognises that he has big shoes to fill as Minister for State with special responsibility for forestry.

“I’ll be anxious to continue with the momentum that Michael Healy-Rae had established in a sector that is important, not only to stakeholders, but also to the wider economy,” he tells the Irish Farmers Journal.

Healy-Rae’s resignation was seen as a blow to forestry, as he had gained some momentum for a sector bedevilled by planning and license issues. The Limerick TD’s selection to replace him means a man from one of Ireland’s most significant political dynasties will bring huge political experience to the role.

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“There was a significant commitment (to forestry) in the Programme for Government,” he said. “The Government’s mid-term review completed some necessary changes. I wish to make sure that they are implemented effectively.”

Collins comes into a department which has had ministerial representation from three legs of government – variously Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, the Green Party and the independent Healy-Rae, and has seen the ministerial team work together effectively. “I have a positive impression of how the Department has worked over the last number of years. I say that as an outsider who is about to step in the door. “I feel we have to keep up the strong work. CAP is an ongoing work in progress, we also have issues like succession, women in farming, horticulture and farm safety, with a particular emphasis on mental health.”

Background

“I come from a finance background, but I represent a rural constituency (Limerick county) in the heart of the Golden Vale,” Collins says. “I recognise that while farming is a way of life, it also has to be a commercial activity and be viable. I meet farmers in my constituency clinics every week, and regularly meet the farm organisations. The ICMSA have their headquarters in Limerick, the IFA are always a strong lobby, as are Beef Plan in Limerick, to be fair.

“There’s plenty to be done, and I am looking forward to the challenge.”