Minister Pippa Hackett hosts first meeting of newly formed Forestry Policy Group

Minister Pippa Hackett hosts first meeting of newly formed Forestry Policy Group

Wide ranging group of stakeholders agree to work together to develop new strategy for Irish Forestry

Minister says development of trust crucial to agreeing vision for Irish Forestry

The Minister of State in the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Senator Pippa Hackett, has this afternoon hosted the first meeting of a newly formed Forestry Policy Group.

Speaking after the session, which was attended by a wide range of stakeholders, Minister Hackett said,

‘‘The 2020 Programme for Government set out an ambitious agenda for Irish Forestry. But if we are to deliver on it, all those who share the common goal of developing a sustainable Forestry model must share their perspectives, trust each other and work together. I have established this new group to facilitate that process and I am happy to say that even after our first meeting, notwithstanding the current challenges faced by many in the sector, I am greatly encouraged by the determination of all to build a consensus on what Forestry in Ireland should, and will look like in the future.’’

The new group is made up of members from a wide range of organisations from the forestry sector including nursery, sawmill and contractor representation, as well as environmental NGOs, and representatives from community, farmers and growers. In addition, a range of relevant State bodies are also participating in the group.

The agenda for today’s first meeting included presentations on the history and implementation of the current Forestry Programme, and there was an opportunities for each individual member to share their vision for forestry, as well as their perspectives on how the group should work, and what its terms of reference should be. Participants also got a preview of the new Forestry Licence Viewer – the first phase of which will be launched next Tuesday 1^st December.

There was also a presentation from Jo O’Hara, a forestry expert who has been appointed to advise the Minister on the implementation of the Mackinnon Report. Speaking to the group Ms O’Hara acknowledged that the situation was challenging, but said she was looking forward to working with the stakeholders to review, and put into action, the recommendations in the Mackinnon Report. Ms O’Hara has experience on what can be achieved through sharing expertise and working together.

As the session came to a close, the Minister expressed her satisfaction at the way the process had begun,

“This was a good and productive first meeting. Of course, I am acutely aware of the current crisis in Forestry licencing and of the significant and detrimental impact it is having on this sector. I want to assure all that my Department is continuing to work hard to resolve these issues. However, to build a model which will deliver for the future and which will work for all stakeholders, we must engage with each other, trust each other, and listen to each other. I believe that with a we have started that process today, and I want to express my deep appreciation to all those who attended and engaged so openly and generously.”

The membership of the Forestry Policy Group is as follows:

Jo O’Hara was formerly Chief Executive of Scottish Forestry, a Forestry Commissioner and Head of Forestry Commission Scotland and is currently working as a consultant and non-executive Director. She was appointed by Minister Hackett to oversee the finalisation of the Mackinnon Implementation Plan

The Mackinnon report is published on the Department’s website at:

gov.ie – Review of the Appeal Process for Afforestation In Ireland – McKinnon 2019 (www.gov.ie)