Labour has welcomed the decision by Minister Brendan Howlin that Coillite, a commercial company operating in forestry, land based businesses, renewable energy and panel products, is to remain in public ownership.

Senator John Whelan and his colleagues have continued to campaign to ensure that Coillte is not sold.

Mr Whelan said: "The issues of job creation, public access and the natural amenity were also highlighted at that time by the IMPACT trade union and other stakeholders in the environmental, wildlife conservation, recreation, leisure and tourist sectors.

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"I was convinced at that time that any ambiguity regarding the future ownership of Coillte, its assets and management of our forestry resource were resolved.

"I am therefore alarmed and astonished to learn that Coillte have advertised Rathleash Wood, Portarlington in Laois for sale. To my mind this is totally at odds with Government policy and rightly has raised concerns throughout the community. But this is not merely a local or isolated issue. There is a danger that it is the thin end of the wedge and could lead to the piecemeal privatisation of Coillte and our State forests.

"Any such attempts to sell off Coillte by the back door will not be tolerated and I fully share the public unease over this development. It is not only shortsighted, but such a move could have profound implications for the public ownership of our forests with all the attendant implications in terms of public amenity and access."

(CD/MH)