The 'Talking Hardwoods' event in Co Laois has officially opened.

The event, which aims to encourage the planting of native woodlands as part of more commercial forests, is taking place at the Manor Hotel in Abbeylix on Tuesday, 15 November.

Andrew Doyle, T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, said: "The latest forest inventory indicated that broadleaved forests represent 25.8% of our national forest cover. This is a very significant proportion of our forests, both in terms of area and potential value."

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The event is organised by the Teagasc Forestry Development Department and brings together broadleaf growers and users of hardwood timber.

Minister Doyle continued: "The production of good quality timber depends on good management of broadleaf plantations. It is vital that broadleaf owners follow an active and appropriate management regime for their forest plantations.

"The national target for broadleaf planting is 30% and this will be achieved through higher grant and premiums for broadleaf species which my Department is providing."

(CD/MH)