Reportedly there is a delay in the issuing of 2,500 felling licences which is creating a crisis in the wood industry. The Irish Farmers Association say the immediate issuing of licences will rectify the situation. The present target time for the issuing of licences is believed to be four months.
Felling can be done sensitively, that is with balance in mind. Much of Mayo’s woods for instance are too crowded for the trees to develop. Wood is a very clean and therefore environmental fuel and can be sustainable. Eight thousand hectares of new forestry is planned for this year according to Ireland’s environmental policies.