The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has issued a call for innovative proposals to promote forestry in Ireland.

Minister of State at the Department, Andrew Doyle TD announced the call yesterday, 21 January.

Mr Doyle and the Department have advised that all proposals should demonstrate a degree of consultation, discussion and engagement with other like minded groups. They should also seek to co-ordinate actions with other groups.

Minister Doyle said: "We know Forestry delivers many benefits in Ireland, particularly economic, social and environmental benefits. While we have a relatively low level of forest cover in Ireland compared to other European countries, there is huge potential to develop and grow Irish forestry to enable us and future generations to enjoy those benefits. The Government continues to pro-actively assist and support the development of Irish forestry through the National Forestry Programme. This call for proposals will drive some creative and innovative ideas that will increase public awareness of the multi-functional benefits of forestry, to promote a higher level of tree planting and to encourage existing forest owners to maximise the benefits of their resource."

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He continued: "At a national and global level, forestry plays an important role in climate change mitigation through carbon capture. However, we should not underestimate the benefits of forestry in our immediate environs. There are the income and employment benefits but also recreational opportunities and contribution to biodiversity. Irish native woodlands, for example, are an integral part of our natural heritage, history and culture, and are unique in terms of their biodiversity. This call will generate some new and innovative ideas which will raise awareness amongst Irish people of the wonderful resource which is Irish forestry."

(CM/MH)